According to Quantcast, almost half of the people using Twitter are between the ages of 18-34. That’s a whole lot of Gen Y’s…waiting to “Follow” you.
So, if you’re trying to source college educated Passive Talent via a free, non-invasive and informal channel, then you best get Twittering.
5 Best Practices for using Twitter for Recruitment:
1. Dedicate your Twitter account for Recruitment Purposes only. You’re putting your Recruiter Image out there as an ambassador of your company, so make sure to keep your posts on task with your ultimate goal. If you want one for your personal use, create a separate account.
2. Use your Unique Twitter URL on your email signature or other social networking profiles you currently utilize. For example, you can say: “Follow me on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/kristingissaro” or Hyperlink it “Follow Me on Twitter“.
3. Keep your Tweets focused on recruitment-type messages but make sure to keep them lighthearted. Twitter is meant to be an informal communication tool. (i.e., “JaneDoe: Stop by our booth at the Local JobExpo 11/11/08″ or “JohnSmith: New Recruitment Video at http://xyzcompany.com/careers)
4. Post Tweets that will create a buzz about your organization or unique opportunities you have. Refrain from posting specific titles that you are trying to fill. Instead, post job family categories. If you’re trying to generate Engineering Candidates, Tweet something like “Engineering Opportunities now available at xyzcompany) Remember, your purpose is to build a network of candidates who are interested in what you and/or your company has to offer. (i.e., “JaneDoe: So proud my company won Workplace Excellence Award 2008″)
5. Keep your Tweets short and sweet-there’s a reason they give you a character limit. It’s supposed to be an update, not a dissertation.
Twittering for Recruitment purposes is quickly becoming a way to generate passive candidate engagement. With Facebook, Myspace and LinkedIn continually gaining popularity and becoming more competitive for recruiters, Twittering for recruitment purposes will help set you apart and make an impression in the minds (and hearts) of Gen Y’s.
