In the competitive world of recruiting, standing out and attracting top talent is crucial. One untapped strategy many Recruiting Leaders need to take advantage of is social proof.
Social proof is a psychological phenomenon where individuals base their behavior on the actions and opinions of others. When used on social media, it can be a great way for Recruiting Leaders to attract high-quality candidates.
Understanding Social Proof:
Social proof is rooted in the principle of social influence. It is human nature to rely on the behavior of others as an indicator of what is appropriate or desirable. It is a psychological shortcut that people use to make decisions, especially when faced with uncertainty. For example, suppose you are scrolling on Facebook and see several of your friends posting about what a great time they had at a new restaurant. After reading those posts, you will likely see that restaurant more favorably and want to go in the future.
Utilizing Social Proof for Recruiting:
Social proof takes various forms. This includes:
– Testimonials
– Reviews
– Endorsements
– Social media engagement
– And visible indicators of popularity or credibility.
As a Recruiting Leader, there are many easy ways to use social proof techniques to your advantage.
Use Your Personal Social Media Accounts
People are using social media more and more to help them find the right job. Jack Flynn of Zippia reported that 57% of job seekers are using social media in their job search. Social media is a powerful tool for recruiters to reach potential candidates, and it’s a great place to integrate social proof.
Once you have a clear idea of your personal brand–your vision, your values, and your “why” as an individual and as a company–you can showcase this on social media. This helps you establish a positive personal brand that people are attracted to. It shows candidates that you are a leader who lives out their values, and that your company is in alignment with these values, too.
Get Your Team Involved
Encourage your team to create and share content related to their work, projects, and the company culture on their personal social media accounts.
This provides insight into their day-to-day experiences and achievements within the organization.
This can include:
– Posts
– Photos
– Videos
– Or blogs
When potential candidates come across this content, they get a glimpse into the positive aspects of working with you and your team. This serves as social proof of your company’s desirability as an employer.
Live Out Your Values
What you put out online is just as important as what you do in person. Living out your company and personal core values can be a powerful form of social proof because it is tangible. Any Recruiting Leader can post online about their values, but it makes a huge difference when potential recruits see you in action.
Not to mention, incorporating your values into your recruitment efforts can attract like-minded individuals. When people see that you live out your stated values, people with those same values take notice. When you and your teammates actively embody your shared values, this creates a sense of trust, authenticity, and alignment.
Showcase Client Testimonials
If your company works closely with clients or customers, collect testimonials or feedback. You can share positive testimonials on your website, social media platforms, or in marketing materials. Show candidates that your team has a track record of providing exceptional service. And illustrate that you have strong relationships with clients. This creates a positive perception and increases the likelihood of attracting the right talent.
Social proof is a valuable tool for Recruiting Leaders to enhance their recruiting efforts. By leveraging social media platforms and incorporating social proof techniques, recruiters can establish a positive personal brand, attract top talent, and ultimately improve their recruitment outcomes.
