I have long had an interest in the power of social media to impact the way that companies recruit and in the way that we, as individuals, can attract employers. LinkedIn is the king of the mountain for most business professionals – for the moment – but we all know that hiring new employees is not just about hiring for skill or experience. It’s also about “fit”, attitude and chemistry.
For years we have focused on CVs, profiles and reference checks. We have relied on quizzes, questionnaires and our HR processes to lead us to the right hiring decision. And sometimes the best person for the job is culled at the first step. But what if went directly to the people who know these candidates best?
That’s exactly what the digital agency R/GA did for their internship program. They came up with a Facebook app called The Social Interview – where questions were posted to the candidate’s Facebook wall and were answered by friends. It takes the “LinkedIn recommendation” to a new, more personal, level.
When I talk about The Social Way, I am at least in part, talking about this type of shift.
Whether we like it or not, our actions in the sphere of business impact our lifestyle and vice versa. It is, for example, slowly but surely becoming unacceptable to bully your team members and then post status updates about being a “family man”. The social proof of our behaviours are not just available, they are searchable and verifiable. And this changes the way we make decisions. I call it social judgement.
Is this going to change the way you operate? Will it change the way that people find you or your business? And will it impact your reputation with peers, friends and family? You bet it will. And we’re only just starting. Get ready!
Via SimplyZesty.
Gavin
Do you think Steve Jobs would have been employed in this new world order?
(Not being facetious – but seriously how does someone who is by all accounts driven, focussed, domineering etcv etc going to fare in these interviews?)
This is really cool! Everyone is hooked up with Facebook and you can do almost everything with it. From sharing to marketing, and now, this. Facebook has indeed changed the way that we do business.
That is so true. As an author and business man, I can relate to how you said “sometimes the best person for the job is culled at the first step. But what if went directly to the people who know these candidates best?”.I hope more people discover your blog because you really know what you’re talking about. Can’t wait to read more from you!
I agree with Daniel.. this is a great blog / article. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks April – glad you liked it.
If there were 100 applications for one position, at least 50% – 70% would be a good number to get rid of… sorry – cull – in the first round, and if you give them ANY excuse, you will get culled!