In today's digital age, a comprehensive e-recruitment strategy is a necessity for companies seeking to attract top talent. As baby boomers gradually retire from the workforce and tech-savvy millennials take their place, recruiters must utilize competitive online recruitment techniques that reach beyond major job boards.
At a time when nearly every organization has an online presence and most job searches begin on the Internet, companies must think outside the box and stay on top of the latest technology trends in order to gain an edge in the talent wars. Here are some unique strategies:
1. Maximize the power of social media. Given their widespread use among younger job-seekers, Facebook and Twitter are excellent mediums for disseminating information about your company's culture and job openings. Posting targeted ads on Facebook allows you to hone in on candidates with specific interests or attributes.
Encourage your current employees to share information about your company on their personal social media pages, as potential applicants within their networks may be more responsive to those with insider knowledge of working for your organization.
2. Use photos and videos. Illustrate why your company is a special place to work. For example, consider creating a video that showcases the daily routines of your employees or provides a tour of your office. Post the video on your website, social media pages and YouTube.
Many potential candidates seek information online about a company long before they apply for a job, and having a strong online presence that is transparent about your company's culture helps you to attract a greater number of well-suited applicants.
3. Develop an interactive online game. This is a unique way to strut your organization's fun, creative side. This strategy, used by major corporations like Marriott and Deloitte, requires some planning and investment, but it helps boost your brand awareness while providing an opportunity for you to test candidates' problem-solving skills.
4. Tap into mobile apps. One 2014 study found that Internet usage through mobile apps surpassed internet usage via PCs. As smartphones continue to become more common, applicants will increasingly utilize mobile apps as critical tools in their job searches.
While most major job boards have an app format, other apps are designed to facilitate a uniquely interactive experience between job-seekers and recruiters. Examples include HireVue, which allows recruiters to pose interview questions to which candidates record their responses, and Switch, which functions as a matchmaking service between anonymous, mutually interested candidates and employers.
5. Maintain a blog. This is an inexpensive way to inform and connect with potential candidates. A blog boosts your online presence and provides you with a forum to describe various facets of life at your company and the recruitment process.
6. Tailor your search with niche job boards. Niche job boards exist for nearly every industry and subgroups within industries. They may help to make your search for the right candidate more efficient because they are more likely than large job boards to attract applicants who are passionate about their career field.
As workforce demographics shift, employers must continuously adapt their recruitment strategies in order to attract the strongest talent. A powerful, creative approach to e-recruitment will help companies appeal to qualified candidates, particularly those of younger generations.
