Social Media Recruitment Trends in Retail: Leveraging Different Platforms

Dubai's economy underwent an expansion of 4.6%, which reached a substantial AED 307.5 billion in 2022. The retail sector played a crucial role by contributing a significant 24.1% to this overall growth, which makes it a key driver of the economy.

It goes without saying that the industry is booming, which only leaves more room for scalability. In fact, it was predicted in 2022 that at least 70% of UAE businesses would go on a hiring spree. And this trend is nowhere close to dying in 2024. 

As retailers are competing with other each other to secure top talent for their organisations, it has become all the more important to identify new ways of hiring to creatively deal with the shortage of workers. 

Some are using machines and smart technology to handle tasks like self-checkout and customer service, helping them run smoothly with fewer staff. Others are offering higher pay, flexible schedules, and attractive bonuses to onboard and retail staff. Some even team up with staffing agencies or freelancers to quickly fill job openings.

But one simple yet powerful strategy that often goes unnoticed in retail is social media recruitment. It offers a great way for retailers to connect with potential employees, make the hiring process easier, and show off their employer brand. 

Social Media Recruitment - Surprising Facts

Social media has completely altered how companies find new talent in today’s competitive job market. What used to be a not-so-common way of hiring has now become a must-do strategy for many businesses.

Did you know that a whopping 94% of professional recruiters use social media to find and post jobs? 

It has clearly overtaken the old-school ways of hiring like asking employees for recommendations or using job boards. Social media has now become a go-to for businesses when it comes to hiring.

And it's not just recruiters. In fact, job seekers are also using social media to find lucrative opportunities. Around 86% of them use social media not just to find jobs but also to apply for them and interact with what companies are sharing. The results tell us that social media is not just a trend but a top choice for both finding and filling jobs.

Considering that more than half of the world's population, a whopping 4.62 billion people, uses social media, it's a massive pool of potential talent. People are also spending more time on social media, about 147 minutes a day. With so many people and so much time spent, it's clear that social media has become a big deal for finding the right people for jobs.

How to Use Different Platforms for Social Media Recruitment

Now that you’re aware that social media recruitment is here to stay, your job as a retailer would be to streamline your hiring strategy. There is more than one social media platform, which means, you need more than one strategy to target your potential candidates. 

Let’s break it down for you – 

LinkedIn – Your Professional Hub

Did you know that around 52 million people check out job opportunities on LinkedIn every week, with a mind-blowing 101 job applications submitted every single second?

Boasting a massive global user base of over 774 million, LinkedIn is where professionals go to connect. Because of this reason, it’s perfect for recruitment. Other than that, it is also used for career development, job opportunities, and building professional connections.

Quick tips on leveraging LinkedIn – 

• Make your company page look good with detailed info and regular updates.
• Use the Advanced Search to find the right candidates.
• Join groups related to your industry for discussions and job postings.
• Explore tools like LinkedIn Recruiter for an even wider candidate pool.
• Ask your employees to share job postings and company updates on their profiles.

Facebook – Beyond Friends and Family

As the largest global social media platform, Facebook gives you access to a vast pool of potential candidates. Therefore, Facebook is not just for connecting with friends, but can also be used for posting job listings and ads, making it a powerful recruitment tool.

Quick tips on leveraging Facebook – 

• Create a special Facebook Careers page to share job openings and company news.
• Use the Job Listings feature for direct job ads on your company page.
• Get specific with Facebook Ads by targeting based on demographics and interests.
• Engage with potential candidates through comments and messages.
• Don't forget to check out relevant Facebook Groups related to your industry.

X (Formerly Twitter) – Real-Time Connections

X is a fast-paced platform where users can provide real-time updates and opinions. Because it emphasizes real-time engagement, it can enable recruiters to connect with potential candidates seamlessly. 

Quick tips on leveraging X – 

• Make your company's Twitter profile clear and inviting.
• Use industry-specific hashtags to get more eyes on your job postings.
• Join relevant Twitter chats to engage with potential candidates and show off your expertise.
• Keep an eye on users mentioning your company or job openings.
• Follow industry influencers and potential candidates to expand your network.

Instagram – Showcasing Your Story

Instagram is all about visuals, sharing images and short videos. Therefore, it’s the perfect platform to showcase your employer's brand and company culture in a visually appealing way.

Quick tips on leveraging Instagram – 

• Create a visually appealing company profile that tells your story.
• Use Instagram Stories to give a personal touch.
• Share job openings in your regular posts and Stories.
• Team up with industry influencers for added visibility.
• Engage with potential candidates by responding to comments and messages.

YouTube – Videos for Connection

YouTube is the go-to video-sharing platform globally with over 2 billion monthly users. Because of this reason, it is a powerful medium for sharing engaging videos about your company, job openings, and industry insights.

Quick tips on leveraging YouTube – 

• Set up a dedicated company YouTube channel.
• Create high-quality videos showcasing your company culture and employee stories.
• Optimize video titles, descriptions, and tags for better discoverability.
• Collaborate with influencers or other channels.
• Encourage viewers to subscribe, like, and share your videos.

TikTok – Embracing Creativity

TikTok is a fast-growing short-form video platform with a younger user base. As a result, it can be a great way to reach out to potential millennial and Gen Z candidates for your workforce. 

Quick tips on leveraging TikTok – 

• Create a company TikTok account and share short, entertaining videos.
• Use unique features like filters and effects for added creativity.
• Join trending challenges to increase visibility.
• Collaborate with TikTok influencers to reach a wider audience.
• Engage with users through comments, likes, and follows.

Maximize Your Recruiting Potential with Social Media

While looking at AI and other technologies to streamline your hiring process is a great approach, it shouldn’t come at the expense of a free yet powerful tool – social media. 

The best thing about using social media for hiring is that it helps you find way more potential candidates without burning a hole in your pocket. Diving into social media also allows you to shape and showcase your company culture through engaging content, which helps attract not only a higher quantity of applications but also a better quality of applicants.

In today’s retail market, using social media for recruitment isn't just an option – it's a super-smart move for a competitive edge your company rightfully deserves.