Without question if you are in the recruiting or HR field, the topic of recruiting through social media has crossed your mind or desk in the recent months. With steady reported losses for employers in social networking suits due to improper use for screening or evaluation, you may have chosen to avoid the topic. While recruitment through social media does require knowledge of legal ramifications, there are some simple and conservative ways to be involved with little liability to your organization.

The Wall Street Journal reported that social networks accounted for 20% of time spent online in 2011. With the continued growth in 2012, it goes without saying those numbers are only continuing to climb. Their report also shows that social networks reach approximately 82% of the world’s online population, a great audience for those of us who are seeking high demand candidates who are hard to locate.

A recent study from Salary.com gives us some insight to the candidate perspective:

• 72% reported using social connections to find a job
• 38% reported that they were successful in finding a job through social networks
• 24% the largest group, reported that they seek career opportunities on LinkedIn
• 60% listed lack of response as their least favorite part of social networks
• 55% of candidates would prefer a mobile friendly process that takes 10 minutes or less to apply

Making your application process accessible to those on social networks, especially on mobile devices could greatly increase your exposure to technical and professional level candidates. If you are considering implementing social networks into your recruiting process, make sure your process is legally compliant with all local, state, and federal laws. Also make sure that your staff is properly trained and educated on how to remain legally compliant in the process. It is always a great idea to make sure your organization’s social media policy is well defined. For more information on integrating social media in your recruiting process, contact your Labor and Employment Law attorney.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent? Contact us today!  If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.