The Benefits Of Being “Super Social”

by Kate D'Amico on November 17, 2011

If you’re not yet convinced that today’s companies are getting social and recruiting through online networks (read here and here for more info), JobVite has released new survey results that show that employers are doing exactly that.

The survey results are significant: more than 22 million Americans used social networks to find their most recent job. This number is up almost 8 million from last year’s survey! More than half (54%) of job seekers use Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter to look for employment.

JobVite’s Social Job Seeker Survey 2011 surveyed more than 1,200 U.S. workers, 69% of whom are job seekers, either actively seeking or employed but open to a new job. The survey found that Facebook has the most job seekers overall, but that LinkedIn and Twitter have higher engagement rates for job seekers.

  • 86% of job seekers have a social media profile
  • 31% have profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Facebook

  • 84% of job seekers have Facebook
  • BUT, more than 1/3 job seekers that have a Facebook don’t use it to look for work

Twitter

  • 39% have Twitter
  • almost ¾ job seekers on Twitter use it for job seeking
  • 23% of all job seekers have used Twitter for a job search
  • 6% received a job referral through Twitter
  • 8 million Americans say Twitter is a source that led them to their current jobs

LinkedIn

  • 35% have LinkedIn
  • nearly all job seekers on LinkedIn use it to search for employment
  • 26% of all job seekers overall  have used LinkedIn to look for work in the past year
  • 9% have received a job referral from a LinkedIn contact
  • 10.2 million Americans say LinkedIn is a source that led them to their current job

The main point is that “super social” job seekers, those with more contacts (150 or more on a single network) and higher levels of engagement on social networks, get better job search results. It’s not enough just to have the profile — you need to use it appropriately and effectively. Keep your profiles professional and make sure to engage your network!

Job seekers, do you use social media to look for employment? Has it been effective?

You might also enjoy:

  1. The State of Social Recruiting
  2. 5 Ways To Use Social Media In A Job Search
  3. Yes, Employers Are Recruiting Via Social Networks
  4. Facebook Initiates Jobs Partnership To Combat Unemployment
  5. Infographic: Qualities Of A Social Strategist

Article by Kate D'Amico

Kate D’Amico is in her senior year at Virginia Tech where she is studying communications with an emphasis in public relations, as well as psychology and special events management and marketing. She has prior internship experience in corporate communications and public relations for technology, nonprofit, and association clients.

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