Most Job Seekers Search Online

According to a survey by talent mobility consulting firm Lee Hecht Harrison, nearly all job seekers report having some online presence. While the majority report having at least a LinkedIn profile, about one-third are engaged on several social media channels. Only 7% remain inactive online. Respondents were asked: “How searchable are you on the Internet?” The results were as follows:

Greg Simpson, senior vice president, career transition practice leader for Lee Hecht Harrison, states, “Social recruiting techniques are making it easier and more efficient for employers and recruiters to distribute job openings and find prospective candidates online. Jobseekers without an online presence may be at a disadvantage.”

Simpson advises job seekers to be visible and connected online to not only find job postings, but to capture the attention of the hiring community. Simpson cautions that it isn’t enough to post a profile and use social media to build a network. Job seekers need to develop a strategic approach that ensures their use of social media aligns with how recruiters and hiring managers work. According to Simpson, “Networking is foundational. But job seekers need to go far beyond the fundamentals of building a network. They need to consider how social media can help them find open positions that aren’t advertised, engage directly with hiring managers, support the interviewing process, and keep their candidacy strong. If you’re a job seeker, use social media to advance your job search. Set up professional profiles on the networks appropriate for your field and industry. Get to know key players, build relationships, and join the mix in ways that demonstrate your knowledge.”