Tech savvy jobseekers ‘jumping the queue’

Tech savvy jobseekers ‘jumping the queue’

Job seekers are increasingly taking advantage of social media to bypass the traditional recruitment process, ‘jumping the queue’ into their desired position, according to a leading talent and career management firm.

Murray McLachlan, of Right Management, says there is a growing number of jobseekers using tools such as popular social networking site LinkedIn to identify the companies behind positions advertised on sites such as Seek and Trade Me. Using their online networks, they then approach key individuals within the organisation, sometimes cutting recruitment firms out of the picture.

McLachlan says the power of LinkedIn has increased exponentially in line with its growth in users. In New Zealand, more than 250,000 people have signed up for user accounts, up from 120,000 in July 2009.[1]

“With more than 75 million[2] users worldwide, it is one of the most potent tools available for jobseekers wanting to differentiate themselves from the pack, and exploit their networks to get a foot in the door with potential employers.”

While the site has been popular for a number of years, it is only recently that people have found smarter ways to leverage its potential. As the leading social networking tool for business, Mr McLachlan says LinkedIn is now an essential part of career management – and is becoming a challenge to traditional recruitment agencies.

“Approaching a company though social networks rather than a formal application process allows for a more personal approach, as well as showing enthusiasm for the position. For older job seekers in particular, it demonstrates a high degree of tech savviness.

“It enables people to push their online ‘brand’, and removes them from the larger pool of potential applicants.

“It is particularly effective in smaller labour markets like New Zealand, where fewer degrees of separation make personal connections more likely, and arguably more important.”

The use of social networking as a recruitment tool isn’t limited to jobseekers. Employers are increasingly connecting with social networks, using them as a space to search for talent, engage in headhunting or advertise vacancies. LinkedIn now gives users the ability to ‘follow’ companies, receiving instant notifications about recent hires and promotions, new job opportunities and company profile updates.

Mr McLachlan points out its not all bad news for recruitment firms.

“Sites like LinkedIn are a valuable way to pre-screen candidates. They help recruitment firms get a clear sense of someone’s knowledge, experience, and contacts – and to do some informal reference checking by way of LinkedIn’s recommendations.

“People are just starting to discover the power of using social media for job-seeking. I anticipate it becoming far more popular over the coming year.”

Do’s and Don’ts of Queue-Jumping

Do

• Make smart use of social media – to advertise yourself, conduct research about employers, and grow your contacts
• Be proactive. Social media is not a reason to neglect face-to-face networking
• Work your online contacts when positions arise
• Ensure your online brand is consistent and up-to-date

Don’t

• Turn up unannounced to see employers
• Call too frequently
• Spam employers with applications
• Present contradictory images of yourself in social media

ENDS

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