According to a recent study conducted by APEC, nearly 70% of companies are turning to social media for recruitment. It’s true that social media is an ideal channel for showcasing an employer’s brand image. It also allows companies to share interesting content related to their industry, while building a more authentic connection with potential candidates. In this article, you’ll learn more about this topic and discover which companies are looking to recruit on social media. ‍

Social Media Recruitment by the Numbers

In your opinion, what are the different ways to recruit employees these days? It’s a safe bet that the first thing that comes to mind is the so-called “traditional” method, which involves posting a job listing on a job search website. However, there’s also another channel for attracting new talent to your company: social media recruitment.

In fact, these communication tools are becoming increasingly popular among employers. According to a study conducted by APEC, 62% of them use these platforms to post job openings, and 50% use social media to contact candidates directly.

Although social media ranked only fourth among the most widely used sourcing channels in 2019, it has held the second spot since 2021, according to the same study.

As for job seekers, 95% of 18- to 24-year-olds surveyed in an IFOP poll said they were willing to share a job posting on social media—or even apply for it—in order to find work. It is clear that young professionals, who are very active on social media on a daily basis, are more likely to understand the potential this recruitment channel offers employers.

Which companies are recruiting on social media?

Using a social media recruitment strategy isn’t limited to just one type of company. On the contrary, it allows companies to reach a diverse range of candidates and therefore offers great opportunities for all industries. Historically, the marketing and communications, new technologies, and IT sectors have been the ones most likely to use social media to recruit talent.

Nevertheless, many other sectors are beginning to explore this sourcing channel, such as the Carrefour Group, one of France’s leading retailers. By turning to Bonanza to recruit through their social media channels, they have been able to attract talent that perfectly matches their needs. Karine Miché, Head of Communications for Employment Events at Carrefour, stated: “We rely on the Bonanza teams to help us recruit work-study students, particularly in food service roles (butcher, baker, fishmonger, etc.). Our various communication campaigns with Bonanza have allowed us to increase the visibility of our job openings among the younger generation and reach candidates who wouldn’t have been reached through traditional campaigns. We’ve also been able to recruit new standout candidates through our more visually unique campaigns. Setup is quick, and making adjustments as needed is just as fast.”

Many companies in the retail, restaurant, and sales sectors are now turning to social media for their recruitment efforts. This makes it easy for candidates to apply for positions such as apprentice chef, manager, or sales associate.

Some banks have also decided to modernize their communication strategy and diversify their recruitment systems. According to Teddy Bisson, HR Development Manager at Caisse d’Epargne: “The Bonanza team is attentive and very responsive. It’s a pleasure to work with partners who demonstrate flexibility in meeting our recruitment needs. Bonanza allows us to reach out to a target audience of potential candidates. The company reaches out to them, rather than relying solely on them to find our job postings and apply. The tool targets candidates who are attuned to the job market and prevents us from overwhelming all of our subscribers with recruitment messages.”

Which social media platforms are most effective for recruiting?

Knowing how to use social media to recruit employees for your company means, above all, having a clear understanding of the ideal candidate’s profile—particularly in terms of their motivations and goals. User demographics may vary depending on the platform you choose, but having a company presence on Facebook and LinkedIn is already a good start for recruiting via social media.

Recruiting on Facebook

Given its global reach and its large number of users in France (more than 40 million per month), recruiting through Facebook seems like a good option. This platform allows employers to learn more about a candidate’s personality and to engage with them in a more casual way than on a dedicated job board. There are several ways to start a conversation, such as creating one or more groups for open positions, sharing content that highlights your employer brand, or even promoting events related to your business.

Recruiting on LinkedIn

Unlike Facebook, LinkedIn is primarily a professional platform. It is therefore an integral part of an effective social media recruitment strategy, as it allows employers to easily learn about a candidate’s work experience. Any recommendations and references can also be viewed on the user’s profile. How do you recruit on LinkedIn? By searching for talent that matches your criteria, or by showcasing your company and its values while sharing content related to your core business.

Recruiting on Social Media: Why Does It Work?

You may still be wondering why online recruitment has become essential. The first reason to mention is that people aged 18–35 are on social media every day via their phones. Sharing job postings or relevant information about your company through this channel will therefore allow you to attract candidates who meet your needs and, as a result, receive a higher volume of applications.

Recruiting on social media also offers the opportunity to stand out from the competition by communicating in an authentic and original way to boost the company’s image. It’s true that traditional job sites are often perceived as too conventional, which doesn’t necessarily make young professionals want to use them. Furthermore, social media simplifies the recruitment process while allowing for more targeted candidate selection, helping you find the future talent best suited to your job openings.

Ultimately, more and more companies are turning to less traditional sourcing channels to recruit. While their approaches vary widely, their goal remains the same: to attract qualified talent.

Want to learn how to recruit in a creative way? Contact us! At Bonanza, we’ll guide you step by step through your social media recruitment strategy to showcase your employer brand and help you find candidates who meet your needs.