I just read a recent study that revealed that job seekers are increasingly doing more research via social media on you and your company and what they want to know may not be what you think.
I do a good bit of recruiting for our clients and one, in particular, is constantly looking for younger talent for an entry level position. This position requires 2-3 years of experience so those candidates I interview have had at least a few years in the work force, are typically in their late 20’s/early 30’s, and they are ready to answer one of my favorite questions, “When thinking about the next company that you will work with, what characteristics of a company are most important to you?”
Often the first response is the company’s willingness to invest in their growth and development but in the top three is the company’s reputation and stability. I’ll often ask, “What do you look for to know if the company is stable and reputable?” They say things like “I look at their Facebook page and see how interactive it is with their clients and employees,” “I go to LinkedIn and research people who work there,” “I “google” the company to see what people are saying about them.” In short, candidates research you as if you were a product or service to be bought, just like your prospective clients do.
We invest time, money and resources into our online presence but when doing so do we consider our prospective employees as well?
What does your online presence communication about you and your company to prospective employees? If you don’t know the answer to that, ask your newer hires for input on that question and, while you are at it, ask them what you can do to attract, hire and retain top talent. They, like your most recent clients, are your best source of feedback on what it’s like to work for and with your company!
