When we began this annual survey four years ago, social recruiting was a new idea to many companies. Between then and now, comScore reports that time spent in social networks grew from 1 out of every 12 minutes spent online to 1 in out every 6 minutes. Employers have clearly followed their target talent into social networks. Our 2011 survey found that 89% of respondents will recruit through social media this year, up from 83% in 2010.
As competition for talent grows, social recruiting tops the list two years running as the most popular area to increase investment. Not surprisingly, respondents’ plans to increase spending on candidate sources are closely aligned with their views on the quality of those sources.
The data indicates that recruiting departments, like marketing departments, increasingly utilize the unique environments of multiple networks to reach and engage their targets.
Proof of a continued recovery for the labor market, 67% of survey respondents said they plan to increase hiring over the next 12 months, up from 56% in 2010. And they indicate that social recruiting will be an essential element of recruiting strategy as hiring competition heats up.
Fortunately, the connections, data and reach offered by social networks can help employers successfully adapt to this environment of high churn and increasing competition for talent – an environment in which they must always be recruiting.
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The Jobvite Social Recruiting Survey 2011 was conducted online between May and June 2011; over 800 people U.S. respondents completed the survey. The survey was completed by individuals responding to an email invitation sent to a registered list of human resources and recruiting professionals. Respondents answered questions using an online survey tool and the response data is available only in aggregate form. For more information about the survey, please contact our media relations team at .
ADDITIONAL SOCIAL RECRUITING RESOURCES