By Ali Webster
“It Can’t Hurt to Ask” is just one of Mashable’s 5 Tips for Job Seekers on Social Networks. Candidates are posing questions on social networking sites because these platforms provide real-time, efficient communication between a candidate and a recruiter or a candidate and a company. You and your company’s answers to these questions and the way in which you respond will set the tone for a candidate’s potential hiring experience. Keep in mind that other candidates and your competitors also have an eye on your responses that will become part of your company brand and reputation in the social media space. Here are some common questions posed and some suggestions on how you should (and should not) answer them.
Where is this position located?
While your job site probably has the location of the position listed on your website, this is not an opportunity to admonish the job seeker for their lack of attention to detail. Do not say “That information is posted on the site.” Try taking a more engaging approach by posting, “The position is in the heart of downtown Chicago. Does that location interest you? Where are you located now?”
Am I eligible for rehire?
Former employees and company alumni will bypass HR and look for an answer regarding their rehire eligibility on these forums. Your company has an official policy. Instead of copying & pasting the exact policy, summarize how rehire eligibility is determined & throw another question back to the candidate “When and how long did you work for us? Are you interested in returning soon?”
I have the following qualifications…do you have a position for me?
If I had a public place to announce that I had my Master’s Degree in A Really Smart Science Field, I would go for it! And so do these candidates. Use this question to educate this candidate (and others) about the search functionality of your career center. Also take the opportunity to pat these hard-working individuals on that back, “That’s really impressive. Did you see any positions listed that interested you after performing this search?”
Will you offer me sponsorship if I get this position?
Similar to the question regarding rehire eligibility, your company has an official policy on sponsorship and work authorization status. Do not copy and paste, but summarize using friendlier vocabulary. Pose a question back to this candidate: “Where are you working now?”
Can you help me apply to a position online?
As recruiters, our goal is to make the online application process as intuitive as possible for job seekers. However, that does not eliminate the occasional technical glitch or incompatible browser issue that the candidate really does need your help with. A candidate comes to a social networking site to get a quick answer. Try to respond as soon as you can & help this candidate successfully submit their application.