ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN FINDING THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR THE JOB.

Today, the primary question asked when you meet somebody new and want to keep in touch is - “Are you on Facebook?” If you want to build contacts – “Can I please connect with you on LinkedIn?” Even to the extent of “What is your Twitter handle? I want to stay updated!” The world we live in has definitely gone virtual! Or should we say – ‘social’?

From historians crafting a word of mouth campaign, to slowly seeping into the galore of media via print and finally adapting to the virtual world of being online; technology sure has come a long way. With changing times, many institutions and organizations have taken up the challenge of staying updated.

Take for example the process of recruitment. Imagine going through the ordeal of having to send your existing employees with pamphlets and brochures to various outlets, putting up sign boards outside the office and even publishing advertisements in the newspaper.

It did not halt there. Post this, when a candidate applied, carrying out necessary background checks and screening was another task. And the worst part would be, in spite of all these efforts, not being able to find that perfect candidate. Loss of time, energy and money.

Take a leap to the current scenario. Cut the chase of advertising, because if word of mouth does not work, there is always Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the oh-so-popular medium WhatsApp. Now imagine all digital trails that existing/future employees tend to leave online! Go ahead. Google it!

Google allows you to view not just the social media profiles, but also any results linked with the similar name, groups and forums one is present on and even social likes. This level of insightful stalking can give you an edge.

Instagram, Pinterest, Google Plus, Tumbler, WordPress are mediums that not only prove multiple presence, but also indicate the individuals’ line of thought and arena of interests. Right from whom they follow to the number of groups and voluntary organizations that they are affiliated with.

Twitter brings out the creativeness and wit in a person. If one is able to speak volumes in 140 characters, gauging their intellectual level shouldn't be very difficult. Does the individual use appropriate language? Do they type in short forms? Or are their sentences grammatically correct? Oh yes! It matters!

For an ultimate professional dossier online, there is LinkedIn. Besides the vast circle of social network, if the employer happens to have mutual friends, background verification and testimonials become easier. The decision whether to invite the individual for an interview or not is much simpler and is today done via e-mail.

Sitting in Noida, one can find information about a candidate who has applied for the Mumbai branch. Not only that, one can also view if the candidate has lied about their educational qualifications, what were the terms on which they left their previous job, will they be a cultural fit for your company and much more.

It can also work vice-versa, i.e. in favor of the candidates. Job hunting has become prominent and less complicated online. If companies are on the lookout for the perfect candidates, individuals too are in the search of that perfect company. But that is a story for another day...! Stay Tuned..!