If you are looking for a job this year or plan to, here are some important trends you need to watch for in 2015. Don’t get stuck using the same tactics to find a job you used five years ago because the rules of job search are changing.
Jobvite released their 2015 Recruiter Nation Study this month and these are some key points I think job seekers should pay attention to.
FYI: 1,404 recruiting and human resources professionals spanning several industries, consisted of both Jobvite customers and non-customers, completed this year’s survey.
Key Stats
- 92% of companies report using social media as part of the recruiting process.
- 78% report their best candidates came from referrals
Jobvite has run this survey for eight years. I have been following it for five years. Some of the questions asked in the survey have changed over the years, but the important ones are the same.
Let’s look at the changes from 2010 to 2015 in how candidates are recruited.
Companies ARE Using Social Networks To Recruit
In 2015, 92% use social media to recruit. In 2010, only 73% of companies used social media. Which networks are they using?
2015 Jobvite use of social media in recruiting process
Which networks are they using? The top three haven’t changed. But please notice the new networks being used to source and vet talent. If you aren’t familiar with any of these, investigate how you could use them to get discovered. If you are using them, be sure you’re sharing “Rated G” updates.
| Then | Now | |
| 78% | 87% | |
| 55% | 55% | |
| 45% | 47% | |
| Blog | 19% | – |
| YouTube | 14% | 21% |
| MySpace | 5% | – |
| Glassdoor | 38% | |
| Google+ | 14% | |
| 13% | ||
| Snap Chat | 3% |
What Are Companies Looking For On Social Media?
How long you’ve been in your job matters most to recruiters! But recruiters are also looking at how long you’ve been with your company, mutual connections, professional commitment and examples of work. You know what doesn’t matter so much? Cover letters and your GPA! (Really, they said this!) To see what else is important to employers read this: Social Recruiting Is A Good Thing, If Your Visible Online
In 2015, only 4% of recruiters DON’T use social media in the recruiting process. Compared to this:
(I realize this isn’t an apple to apple comparison, but do you notice a change in how recruiters value social media?)
Want to become more active on LinkedIn, or any social network for that matter? You need to be active. 10 LinkedIn Status Updates for Job Seekers.
Referrals Still Rule
Every study cites referrals as the number one, best source of hiring. This has been true for a long time.
This year’s study reports that 78% of recruiters found their best hires through referrals, 56% through social and professional networks, and 55% through intern-to-hire programs.
In 2010, the best hires came from referrals and next through internal transfers. Since the question was evaluated differently, the comparison isn’t a direct match, but the take-away is the same.
If you want to see an example of how you can get referred by someone you don’t know, read If You Aren’t Willing to Do This, Then Don’t Bother Applying.
Other Interesting Facts To Note
- 41% of companies report the average time to hire is 31-60 days.
- 30% of employees have tenure of 1-3 years.
Lasting Impressions That Matter
During your interview and every encounter with anyone who works for the company, these are the things that matter. Are you paying enough attention to your enthusiasm, conversation skills, punctuality, appearance and handshake? Perhaps you should!
Didn’t get the job? Here are 41 things you should evaluate.
All images via Jobvite
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
