Dive Brief:

• Facebook is highlighting their new recruiting tool that focuses on locally sourced hires. Citing a statistic that local businesses create more than 60% of all new jobs, Facebook aims to help communities, business and job-seekers connect via the platform they likely use on a daily basis.
• Since initiating job postings on the platform a year ago, data shows one in four polled adults in the U.S. searched for or found a job on Facebook. Businesses are able to create postings on their pages, even with mobile applications, as well as manage applicants and schedule interviews.
• Applicants are able to find local positions via the jobs board and can create, edit and submit an application from their smartphone. The Messenger service even confirms receipt of the submission.

Dive Insight:

In the face of a tightening candidate market, business is having to meet potential hires in the places they frequent. Social media platforms are used daily by most Americans, so smart businesses are tapping into them now. One major fast food outlet has adopted Snaplications — applications via Snapchat, to target an entry-level demographic.

With low unemployment and high demand, many recruiters are looking to lower their expectations with regard to talent by readjusting job descriptions and requirements for a less than ideal applicant pool. Yet another tactic involves personalizing the recruitment process through one-on-one messaging (essentially not forgetting the human touch).

To hire locally, many employers are partnering with trade schools to help guide job seekers into schooling, then into careers. Lowe's is developing its own applicant stream. That program, beginning in four cities, includes upfront tuition for trade certifications and enrollment, along with coaching and placement in apprentice programs in their contractor network. For all employers, a creative touch may be needed in these challenging recruitment times.