Using LinkedIn to Strengthen Employer Brand | Part 5 of 5

The reach of Linkedin as a professional network is growing at a rate of knots. As of November 2011, there were 135 million Linkedin users in over 200 countries across the world (Linkedin, 2011). With such an impressive uptake among professionals, it would be a mistake to neglect this social networking tool within your employer branding strategy. Here are some helpful hints to ensure you reap the rewards in 2012:

• Create a company Linkedin page: This will provide jobseekers access to your company that is not possible on other social networks. You can attract followers, create a careers section and update your company status (just as you would for your individual account).

• Join relevant Linkedin groups: This is a great way promote your company as an employer of choice – you can do this passively by contributing to discussions, providing advice and sharing relevant news stories. After a while you will find that interest in your company grows organically as a result.

• Create a company Linkedin group: Create a group that is aimed at attracting prospective employees, current employees and alumni. Get the conversation flowing by starting interesting discussions. This is a great way to help prospective employees feel a sense of belonging and identity long before the application process begins.

So that’s that. Hopefully these tips will help you boost your employer branding strategy through the use of social media in 2012. Good luck!

About the Author: Catherine Gutsell is the Group Marketing Manager at the CK Group. She is passionate about all things digital, especially when it comes to recruitment and HR practices.

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Using Facebook to Strengthen Employer Brand | Part 4 of 5

This tool must not be forgotten – if used properly it can be a fantastic medium to attract the best talent to your business. According to TalentMinded 2011, over half of job seekers will ‘Like’ a company on Facebook in the hope that they will find a job. So, to help you start Facebooking in 2012, here are a few tips:

• Share photos: This is the Facebook feature that we all love the most (including your next generation of employees), so start sharing photos of things like:

1. Social and team building events
2. Charity fundraisers
3. Employee birthdays
4. Pictures of your offices
5. Employee of the month photos
6. Award ceremonies

• Communicate in a human way: If jobseekers post questions on your company’s Facebook wall, respond in a human way and with personality. After all, Facebook is a sociable site, so try to create the impression that you are a friendly and open company by responding to questions in chatty (but still professional and helpful) way.

• Get people talking: Don’t just shout about how great you are. Post unique and useful content for your fans, you can even ask questions to help get the conversation going. Be as helpful as you can to create the best impression of your company.

• Make it a team effort: Give your colleagues the freedom and trust to contribute to your corporate Facebook page. After all, satisfied and happy employees are the best brand ambassadors you will ever find.

About the Author: Catherine Gutsell is the Group Marketing Manager at the CK Group. She is passionate about all things digital, especially when it comes to recruitment and HR practices.

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Using Videos to Strengthen Employer Brand | Part 3 of 5

Video should be a key part of your employer branding strategy for 2012. It’s a great way of engaging potential employees by really showing them the human side of your company. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just invest in a Flip camera and get cracking! Here are a few ideas which could work for your organisation:

• A ‘Day in the Life of…’ videos: These videos can be helpful by strengthening the recruitment campaign for a particular role you are recruiting for.

• A tour of your offices: We all know that people love to be nosey and this is a great way to provide an insight into what it’s really like behind the scenes at your company.

• Employee testimonials/Meet the Team videos: Encourage employees to talk about their backgrounds, experiences, how and why they joined the company and what they like about working there. This will help you to communicate the personality and camaraderie between colleagues within your organisation. Do be careful who you stick in front of the camera though (make sure they are engaging to watch and most importantly, like to smile!).

• Update content regularly: Try to keep your videos looking fresh by producing new content at least once per month. Think about it, if potential employees come across dated looking videos that look like a flash back from the 80’s it’s more than likely they will steer clear of your company as a potential employer.

Some interesting employer branding videos which you could take a look at for inspiration include:

• Intel
• Henkel
• Google
• Deloitte

About the Author: Catherine Gutsell is the Group Marketing Manager at the CK Group. She is passionate about all things digital, especially when it comes to recruitment and HR practices.

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