Is there evidence for job creation through social networks?

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Is there evidence for job creation through social networks?

Randolph Discussion started by Randolph 8 years ago

The REINICIAL project has produced some interesting stuff about the effective use of social networks for seeking a job. Besides the fact that the materials itself are of excellent quality from an eduational point of view, I wonder if there is any evidence or success stories which could proof that social networks help to increase the chance for getting a job. Although I'm connected to most of these networks, I have never met any persons from the age group 45+ who have managed to find a job through social networks such as Facebook or LinkedIn. Is there any exemplary cases we could learn from?

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Natassa Linkedin is being used for job creation, for example in the sector of international development, where professionals are highly mobile and in other highly specialised professions (specialised trainers, consultants, project managers etc). I cannot provide hard evidence, but I get a large number of job notifications through linkedin and I know personally professionals that have been approached for work positions. It needs time though to build a nice profile and attract employers in Linkedin. 8 years ago

Sara Forch Thank you, Randolph, for your interest in REINICIAL project, leaded by our entity FCPIT (Spain). A research about this issue (effective job finding by +45 jobseekers through social networks) was not part of the project, but for sure would be of interest. In our everyday work in outplacement, we do know successful stories of people directly finding or getting job offers through social networks; as Natassa states, this is more usual in some sectors than in other ones.
However, it has to be considered that online social networking is part of the wider networking strategy of the job seeker –together with the in-person networking, on-line traditional communication, etc.- , and cannot be considered separately. For instance, you can met someone face to face in a professional Seminar, keep in contact through a LinkedIn group, see a job offer of their company in the paper newspaper, and send an e-mail to him or her applying for the job. If you got hired, it’s difficult to weight how important have...Thank you, Randolph, for your interest in REINICIAL project, leaded by our entity FCPIT (Spain). A research about this issue (effective job finding by +45 jobseekers through social networks) was not part of the project, but for sure would be of interest. In our everyday work in outplacement, we do know successful stories of people directly finding or getting job offers through social networks; as Natassa states, this is more usual in some sectors than in other ones.
However, it has to be considered that online social networking is part of the wider networking strategy of the job seeker –together with the in-person networking, on-line traditional communication, etc.- , and cannot be considered separately. For instance, you can met someone face to face in a professional Seminar, keep in contact through a LinkedIn group, see a job offer of their company in the paper newspaper, and send an e-mail to him or her applying for the job. If you got hired, it’s difficult to weight how important have been the LinkedIn communication on the final decision, but certainly it have had a share.
Besides, the on-line presence has a huge importance on the professional image of a candidate, and having control over it is crucial. Nowadays, most recruiters will web search candidates, and not having a professional profile in a social/professional network –or worst, having it incomplete or inaccurate – would be a disadvantage. Actively generating and sharing content through professional networks will help to get the person’s professional profile in the first results of a web search (instead of other more personal entries) and thus will improve their branding as a professional. In the case of +45 years old people, being in on-line social networks certainly will give the image of an up-dated person, ICT literate and capable to adapt to new requirements.
As a conclusion, our view is that it is important for any professional or job seeker to know how to use on-line social networking and personal branding, and that the influence of these tools in the successful job finding cannot be understood looking only to the job offers released through social networks.
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Thank you, Randolph, for your interest in REINICIAL project, leaded by our entity FCPIT (Spain). A research about this issue (effective job finding by +45 jobseekers through social networks) was not part of the project, but for sure would be of interest. In our everyday work in outplacement, we do know successful stories of people directly finding or getting job offers through social networks; as Natassa states, this is more usual in some sectors than in other ones.<br />However, it has to be considered that online social networking is part of the wider networking strategy of the job seeker –together with the in-person networking, on-line traditional communication, etc.- , and cannot be considered separately. For instance, you can met someone face to face in a professional Seminar, keep in contact through a LinkedIn group, see a job offer of their company in the paper newspaper, and send an e-mail to him or her applying for the job. If you got hired, it’s difficult to weight how important have been the LinkedIn communication on the final decision, but certainly it have had a share. <br /> Besides, the on-line presence has a huge importance on the professional image of a candidate, and having control over it is crucial. Nowadays, most recruiters will web search candidates, and not having a professional profile in a social/professional network –or worst, having it incomplete or inaccurate – would be a disadvantage.  Actively generating and sharing content through professional networks will help to get the person’s professional profile in the first results of a web search (instead of other more personal entries) and thus will improve their branding as a professional. In the case of +45 years old people, being in on-line social networks certainly will give the image of an up-dated person, ICT literate and capable to adapt to new requirements. <br />As a conclusion, our view is that it is important for any professional or job seeker to know how to use on-line social networking and personal branding, and that the influence of these tools in the successful job finding cannot be understood looking only to the job offers released through social networks. <br />

Randolph Hi Sara,

thanks for these important insights. Strongly interested in continuing the discussion and learn more from your experience. But, just got hijacked by Santa Claus & friends who want me to share christmas activities. Will be back soon for questions & answers. Promised

Meanwhile I wish you a happy Xmas!

Cheers
Randolph 8 years ago

Is there evidence for job creation through social networks?

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