Almost anyone with a background in HR, recruitment, or hiring believes they know a lot about candidates. Right? Here are some interesting facts recently shared by recruiter.com, that may just change your opinions on candidates and how to communicate with them!

Most often, the first candidates that we encounter in a talent search are active candidates. Why? Because they have taken an active role in their career search and made their information available to you via applications, resume submissions, or online resume presentations. Just how active are they?

• 74% of active candidates are truly active in seeking a new career
• 30% of active candidates claim to search for jobs on a weekly basis
• A startling 35% of active candidates actually began preparing for their next job after only weeks at their current position
• 29% of active job seekers have listed social media as their primary job search tool
• 74% of active candidates use online searching to locate jobs

What does this mean to you? Candidates continue to rely on technology more heavily to help them land their next position. If you are seeking qualified talent, it’s more important than ever to have a social media and online presence that best describes your company and it’s culture. With 35% of active job seekers beginning their search within weeks of starting their current position, locating the right fit is crucial. Beginning in the interview process, be very open with candidates about the nature of their position, the company culture, and expectations. Eliminating these common areas for miscommunication can greatly decrease the chances of your new hire looking to make a move.

Passive candidates are often in high demand for more skilled positions. Many employers look to passive candidates because they typically are employed, are stable in their employment, and seem dedicated to their current employer.

• 47% of candidates with less than one year on the job are willing to consider new career options
• 36% of passive candidates are happily employed but open to accepting a new position
• 80% fit the profile of a passive candidate
• 73% of passive candidates rely on their personal networks to learn about new opportunities
• 40% are willing to consider new possibilities if contacted by a recruiter

Obviously attracting and reaching passive candidates differs significantly from reaching active candidates. While posting job opportunities online may reach active candidates quickly, it is less likely to attract those candidates who are satisfied in their current career. Social media, because of it’s large reach and sharing features may be an ideal place to reach candidates in both categories. Social media allows employers a great opportunity to showcase careers, company culture, goals and missions of their organization, and more.

Regardless of the pool of candidates that you are reaching to, the search for top level talent is difficult in almost every industry. While unemployment numbers continue to drop and technology advancements begin to take a more active role in replacing workforce vacancies; the demand for skilled and professional talent is at an all time high. If you are currently recruiting to fill workforce vacancies within your organization, broadening and diversifying your current recruitment tools will greatly improve your chances to making the right hire.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professional and skilled workers? Contact us today!  If you are a stand out professional 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.