How to Use Social Media to Find (and Keep) Great Employees

Small to medium-sized businesses in Southeast Missouri can’t afford to rely solely on traditional recruitment methods. Job boards and classified ads, while still relevant, often fail to capture the attention of the modern workforce. That’s where social media comes in. 

Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and even TikTok, when used strategically, can become powerful tools for finding and keeping great employees. Let’s explore how to leverage these platforms to build a team that’s a perfect fit for your company culture. 

Why Social Media Matters in Recruitment 

The way people search for jobs has fundamentally shifted. Prospective employees are no longer just browsing job boards; they’re actively engaging on social media platforms, seeking authentic insights into company culture and values. For SMBs, this presents a unique opportunity to showcase their brand personality and connect with potential hires on a deeper level. 

• Authenticity and Transparency: Social media allows you to give potential candidates a glimpse into your company culture, values and work environment. This builds trust and attracts individuals who align with your mission. 
• Wider Reach: Social media platforms have vast user bases, allowing you to reach a wider pool of potential candidates, including those who may not be actively seeking employment. 
• Targeted Recruitment: Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook offer powerful targeting options, enabling you to reach specific demographics and skill sets. 
• Employer Branding: Social media is a powerful tool for building your employer brand, showcasing what makes your company a great place to work. 

LinkedIn: The Professional Network for Talent Acquisition 

LinkedIn remains the go-to platform for professional networking and recruitment. For SMBs, it’s a valuable resource for finding experienced professionals and building relationships with potential candidates. 

• Optimize Your Company Page: Ensure your LinkedIn company page is complete and up-to-date, showcasing your company culture, values and career opportunities. 
• Leverage LinkedIn Jobs: Utilize LinkedIn Jobs to post job openings and reach a targeted audience of professionals. 
• Engage with Potential Candidates: Actively engage with potential candidates by participating in relevant groups, sharing industry insights and commenting on their posts. 
• Employee Advocacy: Encourage your employees to share job openings and company updates on their LinkedIn profiles. 
• LinkedIn Recruiter Lite: Consider using LinkedIn Recruiter Lite to access advanced search filters and identify qualified candidates. 

Facebook: Building Community and Finding Local Talent 

Facebook, with its vast user base and local focus, can be a valuable tool for finding local talent and building a strong employer brand within your community. 

• Create a Company Facebook Page: Develop a compelling Facebook page that showcases your company culture and values. 
• Share Employee Stories: Highlight employee success stories and share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your workplace. 
• Engage in Local Groups: Participate in local Facebook groups and share job openings with relevant communities. 
• Host Virtual Events: Host virtual events, such as Q&A sessions with employees or virtual office tours, to showcase your company culture. 

TikTok: Reaching the Next Generation of Talent 

While often associated with Gen Z, TikTok is increasingly becoming a platform for professional content and recruitment. For SMBs looking to attract younger talent, TikTok can be a powerful tool. 

• Create Engaging Video Content: Develop short, engaging video content that showcases your company culture and values. 
• Highlight Employee Experiences: Share employee testimonials and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your workplace. 
• Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with local influencers to promote your company and job openings. 
• Run TikTok Ads: Consider running TikTok ads to reach a targeted audience of younger professionals. 

Beyond Recruitment: Keeping Your Dream Team Engaged 

Social media is a powerful tool for keeping your team engaged and fostering a positive work environment. Here are five steps you can take to make the most of your efforts.  

1. Create a Sense of Community: Use social media to build a strong sense of community among your employees. 
2. Recognize and Celebrate Employee Achievements: Publicly recognize and celebrate employee achievements on social media. 
3. Share Company Updates and News: Keep your employees informed about company updates and news through social media. 
4. Encourage Employee Feedback: Create a safe space for employees to share feedback and suggestions on social media. 
5. Foster a Positive Online Culture: Promote a positive and inclusive online culture that reflects your company values. 

Rooted Web: Your Social Media Recruitment Partner 

Navigating the world of social media recruitment can be challenging, especially for SMBs with limited resources. Rooted Web can help you develop and implement a comprehensive social media recruitment strategy that attracts and retains top talent. We’ll help you create engaging content, build your employer brand and connect with potential candidates on the platforms they use most. 

Don’t let social media’s potential go untapped. Contact Rooted Web today for a consultation and let’s build your dream team.