There’s been a lot of talk lately about how companies can use Twitter to recruit employees. But there’s one big obstacle recruiters need to cross first: figuring out what to say.
The biggest mistake is posting nothing but mini-ads for open positions, such as “IT manager needed” or “Any sales pros out there?”
Instead, HR’s main goal when using Twitter should be to give the audience an idea of what it’s like to work at your company. Look for tidbits that would make a reader want to be a part of your office on a day-to-day basis.
Here are some specific ideas for recruiting-minded Twitter posts, according to recruiter Jessica Lee:
- Employee programs — Even if there’s nothing new in the works, spend some time regularly explaining telecommuting initiatives, volunteer efforts and other programs and benefits.
- Career advice — Turn your Twitter into a resource for people looking for jobs in your industry. Even if you aren’t hiring right now, you’ll have a built-in following of qualified people once you announce an open position.
- Links to articles by employees — Give candidates some info about who they could be working with.
- Description of a good candidate — Let people know what you’re looking for in an applicant or interviewee. That will help candidates prepare beforehand.
- Events and appearances — Let followers know when and where people from the company will be speaking and about recruiting events you’ll be attending.
- New hires — When you’ve filled a position, share it with the audience. It shows you are hiring, as well as how proud the company is of its new employees.
- Links to employees who Twitter — Recruit current employees to write positively about their jobs and provide links to their profiles from your account.
