Why is Online Presence Important for Employers and Job Seekers?

When recruiting remotely, a wide variety of strategies is required for both the candidate and the recruiter. The key is to have clear expectations that can be achieved through having a strong online presence.

In my 20 years of recruiting, I have often posted positions, such as a ‘Metabolic Engineer,’ only to receive resumes that are not remotely close to matching the position requirements or background. I am not sure how an office manager, chef, lab assistant, and even a soccer player could succeed as a Metabolic Engineer position!

Frustrating as this is for a recruiter to receive these unqualified candidates, I always think about the candidate who is left to wonder “why am I not getting interviews or being contacted by employers with all the applications I have sent.”

In this article, we cover how having a considered online presence surrounding your company and/or career can help you either attract the right talent or find the role that’s right for you.

Online recruiting tips for employers

Post on Online Recruitment Sites

This may seem obvious, but don’t forget to post your job openings on popular online job platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized industry websites. These platforms attract a large pool of candidates actively seeking job opportunities.

Go on Social Media

• Leverage social media platforms such as LinkedIn, X, and Facebook to draw attention job openings.
  Share regular updates about your company, its achievements, and workplace culture.
• Encourage your employees to share job openings and company updates on their personal social media profiles.
• Share success stories and testimonials from current employees to give potential candidates a glimpse into your company culture.
• Utilize employee spotlights or “a day in the life” posts to humanize your organization.

Seek out Communities

Join relevant groups and communities to connect with potential candidates and share your job posts. Research and identify community groups that are relevant to your industry, business, or the type of candidates you are looking to connect with. These could be on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or industry-specific forums or associations. Once you are a member of the community group, introduce your company and its mission.

Update your Website’s Career Page

Ensure that their company’s career page is user-friendly and provides detailed information about job openings. This makes it easier for potential candidates to find and apply for positions directly on your website. Candidates can also learn about a company’s culture through their website.

Get Digital with Application Tracking Tools

If possible, implement an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to streamline the recruitment process. These systems help in managing applications, screening candidates, and tracking the progress of each applicant.

Consider Offering Remote/Hybrid Roles

If feasible, provide a remote or hybrid working schedule. It may make your job stand out to candidates, and it can expand the range of locations you can consider candidates from.

Utilize Employee Referral Programs

Encourage your current employees to refer candidates for open positions. Consider monetary incentives for successful hires through employee referral programs. Employees who refer friends and family to open positions at their company are more than likely happy with the company culture. One of the biggest advantages of a referral program is its ability to reach passive job seekers. If budget allows consider making this a tiered process, offer a minimal amount, $100 for a qualified resume, maybe $200 for any referral candidate that is interviewed and a higher amount if the referred candidate is hired.

Craft Clear and Compelling Job Descriptions

Highlight the company culture, benefits, and career growth opportunities to attract candidates who align with your organization’s values. Promote diversity and inclusion in your hiring process by using inclusive language in job postings and actively seeking candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Is an Online Presence Important for Job Seekers too?

To answer the above question quickly; a resounding yes. Over 90% of recruiters use social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn and Indeed, to find and vet candidates. Therefore, your online presence is often the first impression recruiters have of you; a positive and professional online presence can make you stand out in a competitive job market.

A Harvard Business Review article notes how it’s much more common now for companies to integrate online research into their recruitment process. Your online presence may be considered alongside your resume during the initial screening stages. Countless times, I have advised friends (especially new grads) to clean and work on their online presence when starting a career search. Ask former coworkers to do an online recommendation on a particular skill.

A strong online presence reflects your adaptability and agility in the evolving job market, demonstrating that you embrace digital tools and strategies to enhance your career prospects.
Plus, when it comes to remote work, an online presence extends your reach beyond local job markets. Recruiters and employers from around the country can discover and connect with you, increasing the potential for out-of-state job opportunities.

Ways to Build a Strong Online Presence as a Job Seeker

So, here’s what you can do, as a job seeker, to build a strong online presence.

Highlight your Talents

Showcase your unique strengths, achievements, skills, and experiences, maybe describing an accomplishment in your current position or something you are proud of. This visibility can attract recruiters looking for specific talents and qualifications.

Regularly updating your online profiles with new skills, certifications, and accomplishments demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, making you more appealing to employers.

Apply for the Jobs That are Right for You

When applying directly, make sure you are applying to jobs that showcase and are relevant to your qualifications and skills. And remember to read the job description, research the organization for work culture.

Get Involved in the Community

Actively engaging in industry and social groups and discussions on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook can lead to valuable connections and job opportunities.

Attending virtual events and conferences becomes more impactful when coupled with a strong online presence, as many recruiters connect with attendees on platforms like LinkedIn before, during, or after events.

Takeaways

In conclusion, the significance of online presence is critical for employers and job seekers in the context of recruiting. Employers benefit from an online strategy, including targeted job postings, social media engagement, and community involvement. For job seekers, a strong online presence showcases skills and achievements, facilitates valuable connections, and enhances visibility in a competitive market. As remote work expands, online presence becomes an even more powerful tool, extending reach beyond local markets and making virtual events more impactful. Recognizing the transformative impact of online presence is crucial for success in the evolving dynamics of recruiting.

To learn more about how our team can help your recruiting process, contact us or call us on 781-235-1490 today!