Facebook becomes dearer to employers: report

Today, nearly 3 out of every 4 Facebook users are active on the social networking site, as against 1 out of every 10 LinkedIn users that are active on the professional networking site, claims a report from Shine.com. While many small to big businesses have begun to use LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and blogs as valuable talent pools to hire employees, Facebook’s 60 million user base has become increasingly dearer to employers, often over professional networking sites like LinkedIn that boasts over 17 million India users.

“65% of jobseekers are likely to use Facebook over LinkedIn for their next job search. The main concern is ability to control what information one shares with personal and professional connections. Once that is addressed, an overwhelming majority, nearly 77%, will like to use Facebook,” reasons the report.

• 80% of LinkedIn users are on Facebook while just 30% of Facebook users are on LinkedIn
• 60% of job seekers are only on Facebook and just 32% have Facebook and LinkedIn
• Facebook has 28 million more profiles in prime hiring age than Naukri or LinkedIn
• More jobseekers update basic professional information on Facebook than LinkedIn
• 33% passive job seekers used Facebook and LinkedIn to help find job opportunity

With several applications like Glassdoor, BeKnown, BranchOut etc encouraging professional networking on a personal networking platform like Facebook, Shine.com too has added its app called MyParichay. The app enables recruiters to recruit through Facebook (while user’s data is also connected with Shine.com) through a referral system.

Shine.com’s app is being used by Genpact, Kotak Life Insurance, Quattro BPO, Ikya HR Consultants among others.

“MyParichay has helped digitise and socialise Genpact’s employee referral program on Facebook. We particularly like the active referral feature that allows recruiters to actively search and find suitable candidates who are connected to our employees on their Facebook network,” claimed Monica Trehan, AVP HR, Genpact.