Social Media and Recruiting

Just a few years ago, the Human Resources camp was fairly split on whether it was a good idea to use social media platforms to actively recruit and retain employees.  More recently, there has been a shift toward avoiding it in the hiring process.  In a recent conversation with three top-level HR executives, there was total agreement on the do’s and don’ts of using social media to recruit.  Here is a snapshot of their opinions:

1. Don’t “friend” or “link” with a potential candidate.  DO give them a way to contact you at the office.
2. Don’t ask for Facebook logins or passwords.  DO view the candidate’s LinkedIn page if they guide you to it during the interview or on their resume.
3. Don’t make a hiring decision (or not) solely on what you find on social media websites.  DO realize it’s a piece of the puzzle and view what is given to you with empathy and open eyes.
4. Don’t talk about particulars of a position (salary, etc.) on any social media platform.  DO provide a link to your open position and guide candidates to apply through that means.
5. Don’t use social media as the only way to recruit just because it’s free.  DO discuss the idea of posting jobs as part of your company’s overall recruiting strategy.
6. Don’t encourage Managers to search for potential candidates on social media sites.  DO keep everyone in the loop as to where you are in the hiring process so they don’t feel the need to fill in the blanks on their own.

Although I don’t believe social media is going away any time soon, I do believe that laws and regulations will continue to tip the scale toward the benefit of the candidates.  As HR Managers or those who are responsible for hiring, we should err on the side of caution when making any hiring decision based on one piece of the candidate’s story, especially when it comes to the uncharted territory of social media.

About the Author : Wendy Ballast, Human Resources Manager

Wendy has been a member of the J.M. Wilson Team since 2005 and serves as the Human Resource Manager.  She oversees all human resource functions including, but not limited to, recruiting and retention, benefits administration, policies and procedures, employee relations, and payroll.  Wendy loves that every day is different.  She loves to travel and is fortunate that she is able to do so, and get paid for it! In her free time, Wendy serves on three Volunteer Boards; enjoys reading with her daughter, Abby; volunteers with the Parent Teacher Organization at her daughter’s school; plays golf; and travels with her husband, Dan.

Connect with Wendy on LinkedIn!

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