Social Media and Staffing

Gone are the days of paper résumés, employment classifieds, and ultraconservative black suits. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have ushered in a new era of social networking and digital self-promotion. As competition increases, job seekers are using social media and less traditional stunts to set themselves apart, demonstrate innovative thinking, and gain industry pros’ attention.

It seems like all parties in the hiring process are getting creative to find their perfect match. A 28-year-old copywriter won a coveted advertising gig for just $6, creating a smart campaign that relied on people’s tendency to Google themselves. Top talent is increasingly viewed as an organization’s most valuable asset, causing companies to invest heavily in attracting and keeping the right people. Twitter used a video platform to showcase its culture; Meet the Class of Twitter HQ parodies the Wes Anderson classic Rushmore while communicating the cool factor behind Twitter’s team. Recruiters are also turning to LinkedIn and other online tools to screen prospects and manage contacts.

So have digital tools completely transformed the staffing industry and job search? In this real-time, interconnected world of ours, is “It’s not what you know but who you know” still applicable? Are you seriously damaging your prospects and likelihood of success by not going digital?

Where do good jobs/hires come from? Whether networking, staffing companies, tweets, or referrals, we want to hear what has or hasn’t worked for you. Chime in with your (or a “friend’s”) success or #FAIL story. Better yet, show us. We’ll feature the best story, earning you the adoration of millions (er, at least a half dozen groupies doting on our geek speak). Who knows, perhaps it might land you that perfect job or hire…all for less than $6.

Photo by Rosaura Ochoa. Video by Twitter