Nearly 50% of job seekers use social media as their preferred job search tool

New research has found that job seekers are turning to social media in increasing numbers to gather information and apply for jobs across the globe.  According to the research, released earlier this year, social media giants LinkedIn (347 million users) and Facebook (1.39 billion users) are now the preferred avenues for jobseekers in many countries.

The research shows that 60% of New Zealand job seekers aged between 18 and 65, said their preferred job-seeking avenue was Facebook, with 40% of participants claiming LinkedIn as their preferred method for finding work.

This recent study also highlights that much has changed in New Zealand in the past 3 years.  In 2012, two thirds of the population said that they preferred consulting printed sources such as newspaper advertising to discover and apply for jobs, with only 17% claiming that social media was a preferred platform.

49% of job seeking respondents from across the globe indicated they use social media, yet only 34% of Australian jobseekers who responded to the survey said they were using social media for their job search.

At the same time the research highlighted a lack of engagement from employers in harnessing opportunities to promote their company and engage with potential staff through social media.

These findings indicate that in 2015 social media engagement is becoming increasingly significant to the recruitment process.

At International Recruitment, we use a number of innovative and, importantly, proven recruitment strategies—both online and offline—to ensure we connect the best possible people with you.  Get in touch to find out more.