Many of you will know as a Generation Y based marketing firm we duck and weave the topical ‘HR’ styled questions surrounding how employers can improve their retention of their younger staff members. However, I was forwarded this linksurrounding the increase in ‘Unconventional recruitment’ using Facebook and word of mouth etc (thanks goes to Kate from Fresh).
The article (based on a study by the Recruitment & Consulting Services Association (RCSA)) goes on to discuss the ongoing trend in using unconventional medians to fight the ongoing ‘war for talent’ that employers face in a fiercely tight labor market. It says that 90% of the respondents time and resources were spent on unconventional acts.
Furthermore, three of four niche job boards offer ‘refer a friend’ type incentives as the popularity of passive recruitment through friends increases.
The report also highlights the trend in recruiters turning to social networks such as LinkMe, LinkedIn and Facebook to help network jobs with potential candidates. This area represented about 37% growth.
It certainly affirms that ‘flicking through the Saturday paper’ isn’t the sole way to reach employees – and that maybe more emphasis should be placed on developing these non-traditional methods.
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.
Adam Penberthy
Kay said,
August 5, 2008 @ 4:20 am
I think you’re onto something there. I found my job through a current employee and friend, as did many other employee’s in the company. Many being friends of friends or workmates from previous jobs who worked together etc.. I’m always letting my friends know about positions on offer.
I think it has a lot to do with the values and ideas of the company, I work in a family and friendship orientated company and completely enjoy it so of course i’m going to refer my friends!