Social Media & Hiring Trends You Should Be Aware of

Social media is a huge opportunity for organizations looking to position themselves as attractive, welcoming, and dynamic places to work. 81% of people admit to being influenced by the content they see online, so your social media presence might be the difference between a talented candidate choosing to apply for a role with you or with a competitor. That’s why it’s important for HR managers and talent acquisition professionals to understand what’s driving the latest social media recruitment trends.

Social Media Trends for Recruiters

With that in mind, let’s explore the five biggest social media recruitment trends:

Producing Shorter Video Content, but More of It.

Globally, we consume more video content than ever before, with Cisco estimating that 82% of the world’s internet traffic consisted of streaming and downloading video in 2022. But not all video is created equal.

Thanks to the rise of platforms like TikTok and the popularity of Instagram Reels, users are demanding more short-form video content than before, pushing brands to prioritize quality over quantity. Nowadays, video content needs to be short, relatable, and to the point to maximize reach and build an audience.

Putting the Emphasis on Authenticity

The keyword when it comes to branding on social media is authenticity. Social media users, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are more savvy and brand-aware about the content they consume. They are better at spotting when they are being advertised to, and they understand the tools that brands use to reach them.

Companies looking to engage with potential new hires need to present themselves as organically and transparently as possible on social media. Meaning your content needs to be authentic and down-to-earth. Using real employees in your advertising can help foster that sense of authenticity and build deeper connections.

The Continued Rise of Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) might seem like a far-off prospect or even a flash in the pan, but the truth is it’s here, and it’s here to stay. There are already over 1 billion AR users globally, and AR can be a clever, creative way to present your employer brand, showcase your workplace environment, and even participate in online hiring events. There is even potential for AR to be used in other aspects of the hiring process, serving as an online office where you can conduct interviews and connect with potential candidates.

Making the Most of Influencer Partnerships

When you think of social media influencers, recruitment and employer branding might not be the first words that spring to mind. However, influencers have strong credibility with social media users and can be a useful way to attract new demographics to your business. They can help you create meaningful, appealing content that showcases you as an employer, which can be particularly useful if you don’t have the skills to do so in-house.

The crucial step in collaborating with social media influencers to build your employer brand is finding the right kind of influencer for you. Research by TikTok found that brands had a 93% higher engagement rate when they partnered with the right content creator.

Thinking Outside the Box When it Comes to Channels

We tend to be quite narrow in our definition of what makes a social media channel suitable for building a brand as an employer or hiring talent. Some industries, like manufacturing and life sciences, might choose to stick with professional networks like LinkedIn, whilst tech and IT companies might tend to prefer connecting on Twitter.

It’s time to step outside our comfort zones when it comes to the channels we use to market our businesses. Are you looking to appeal to a younger demographic? Try TikTok. Do you already retail your products using Instagram? Then consider using the platform to promote your workplace.

Even if you choose to stick with what you know, the way you use those networks may change. LinkedIn is shifting to a more traditional social media feed, so leveraging it effectively will require a focus on content marketing.

Build these social media recruitment trends into your hiring and employer branding strategy and see the difference they make.

How a Social Media Recruitment Strategy Can Help Your Hiring

Building social media into your hiring strategy and recruitment process is vital for the incredible reach it offers. There are over 302 million active social media users in the US alone, and 58% of job seekers have used social media to get information on potential employers. There are other benefits too, as social media can:

• Help you reach passive candidates who might not be actively job hunting
• Build relationships with current and potential employees, helping you increase retention
• Showcase your employer brand, attracting higher-quality hires and improving engagement
• Connect you with diverse talent pools, developing your inclusive recruitment and helping you meet DEI goals

What makes for popular and engaging content in the world of social media can change fast. Having the time and resources to keep up with the latest social media recruitment trends isn’t always possible.

By partnering with an RPO provider like Pierpoint, you can access the latest industry insights as well as next-generation tools and tech to make sure your business’s social media strategy is always reaching the candidates you want to attract. Book a call with one of our consultants to find out more.