LinkedIn is no longer the only platform being used for recruitment. Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook are becoming effective channels through which to recruit the younger generations.
As an accounting recruitment agency that prides itself on being ahead of the curve, we have developed a clear social media strategy, making use of technology and tools which streamline our processes and allow us to manage our content in one place. Having a clear and consistent strategy coupled with the best tools available, you too can ensure you create engaging content that effectively targets your potential candidates, and makes your organisation stand out from the crowd.
Social media platforms boast millions of users from a whole diversity of backgrounds, making them invaluable resources for any accounting recruitment agency. A vast pool of candidates can be accessed via the likes of Facebook, Instagram, X and Tik Tok which is something that would never have been possible in the days of simple classified ads and online job postings. These platforms lend themselves to snappy, impactful, and quick-to-read ads which are the type of media the younger generation of candidates are engaging with.
A candidate’s social media presence will provide a much broader picture of who they are, compared to even the most in-depth CV. A candidate’s profile offers a more authentic glimpse into their personality and values, and therefore whether they would fit within your company’s culture too. Any accounting recruitment agency or employer learns a lot more about a candidate’s interests, communication style, and overall fit for their role by analysing their digital presence rather than simply reading through their CV.
Social media platforms enable real-time communication and efficient engagement, speeding up the recruitment process and providing more focused results. For quite some time, LinkedIn has been viewed as the ‘natural’ social media platform by recruitment agencies due to its focus on career development and professional connections, but Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook are catching up, and, in some ways, taking over. Here are some tips on how to creatively harness each of them and engage with the next generation of candidates:
As this visually-driven platform has an emphasis on aesthetics and storytelling and is primarily used to share images and short videos, rather than text, employers can leverage Instagram to showcase their company culture, values and brand in a creatively engaging way:
- Using Instagram Stories you can showcase your brand in a more personal way with behind-the-scenes insights and employee profiles.
- Share jobs in your Instagram feed as well as on Reels in your Stories, and when you pair visually appealing content with relevant hashtags, you’ll increase visibility across your target audience.
- Connect and collaborate with industry-relevant influencers who can promote your company and your job opportunities to a larger audience.
TikTok
This fast-growing, short-form video platform focuses on creativity, authenticity, and viral content. TikTok offers an innovative way to reach candidates, especially those in the younger generation who are the predominant users of the platform:
- Creating a company TikTok account will enable you to upload short and snappy videos that give a flavour of who you are, what you are about, and who you’re on the lookout for.
- Using TikTok features such as filters and effects, as well as engaging with trending challenges, you’ll create content that resonates with your audience.
- Again, connecting and collaborating with influencers, as well as engaging with users by responding to comments, liking their content, and following the right accounts, will grow your network and reach.
The largest social media platform globally, with features including job listings and Facebook Ads, Facebook offers recruiters a worldwide audience and access to a huge pool of candidates.
- As well as creating a company Page, you can also create a Facebook Careers page where job opportunities, employee profiles and stories, as well as company news, can all be published.
- Facebook enables you to target relevant candidates with Facebook Ads which narrow down who sees your advert based on their demographics, interests and current job title.
- You can engage with potential candidates by responding to their comments, and direct messages via Facebook Messenger.
X (formally known as Twitter)
This is a microblogging platform which operates in real-time, with users engaging over news, updates and opinions. The focus here is on short, to-the-point posts, often with links for more in-depth content.
- With a focus on ‘headline’ communication, your company’s X profile needs a clear description, slick branding, and easy-to-read links.
- Participating in X Chats that are industry-relevant, will enable you to engage with potential candidates as well as demonstrate your expertise.
- Following industry influencers, potential candidates, and even your competitors will keep you informed and enable you to expand your network.
LinkedIn is often considered a premium networking platform with over 700 million professional members worldwide. This platform’s focus is on professional development and connections meaning it is naturally set up for recruitment.
- Make your company page the best it can be, with up-to-date descriptions, imagery, and postings.
- Leverage LinkedIn’s Advance Search feature to hone your search criteria to better match your job opening with potential candidates.
- Get your current employees to share job postings and updates on their profiles to increase traffic on your page and visibility across your network.
While each platform provides unique features and benefits, there are some foundational principles which apply to them all – developing a strong employer brand is the first one to get right; having a clear identity and branding will enable you to showcase your company’s culture, values, and work environment in a positive way, that attracts candidates who fit.
Take the time and do some research to make sure you are effectively using targeted hashtags and keywords. Using relevant tags will ensure your posts are visible to the right people and are communicating the right message. When the potential candidates engage via comments or messages, responding to them in a timely and succinct way will create genuine connections, and enforce your employer identity. Posting regularly and consistently will also generate genuine connections and valuable engagement by building credibility and trust.
Additionally, make sure to monitor your performance and stay up to date with trends. Regular analysis of your social media performance – follower growth, reach, engagement rates, will help you identify what strategies are working for you, and which aren’t. With this in mind, you will be better informed to make decisions and change your approaches as necessary. As well as looking at your performance, keep an eye on the latest trends across the networks too – don’t be the last to adopt new features or participate in viral challenges! To stay ahead of the curve you need to remain relevant, engaging, and attractive!
Lastly, if you really don’t have the time or the appetite to immerse yourself in social media to find your next hire, why not call the experts in and we’ll do it all for you? As an accounting recruitment agency we specialise in placing the right finance and accounting professionals in the right roles and what’s more, we’ll use a percentage of any profits we make to make a meaningful impact and create a better future for all.
