Class of ’12: The Facebook Generation’s Social Media Job Search

Filed under: Finding a Job,Labor,News,Workplace Technology |

This probably comes as no surprise: New college graduates are embracing social media as a job search tool, according to a new study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Social Media Job Search A job search device, circa 2013
A job search device, circa 2013

A generation that grew up with Facebook and instant messaging is now graduating from college and looking for work — using social media. Approximately 41% of 2012 college graduates in the market for a job are using social media to help them land one, according to NACE’s 2012 Student Survey.

Students are most likely to use social media in the job search to network with employers, according to survey results.

However, the survey also found that students are nearly as likely to use social media as a means for researching employers — and this use is gaining in popularity.

“Nearly one-quarter of 2012 graduates using social media identified it as a research tool, up from 17% just a year ago, and up from 15% among 2010 graduates,” says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.

“Students are using it to seek out salary and compensation information, job descriptions, and information about the employer’s training and development programs,” Mackes said.

Social Media As Job Search Tool Growing Rapidly

Social media as a job-search tool has gained traction since NACE began tracking its use in 2008.

In fact, just 7% of the Class of 2008 reported interacting with an employer through social media, and more than half said they didn’t even notice employer ads on social networking sites. Today, data show this has changed significantly.

“Unlike students four years ago who were unclear about the use of social media in the job search, today’s students see it a viable tool to gather employer information,” says Mackes.

The current study also found that responding seniors using social media in their job search are most likely to use Facebook and LinkedIn.

NACE’s 2012 Student Survey was conducted mid-February through April 30, 2012. More than 59,000 college students nationwide, including 15,715 seniors at the bachelor’s degree level, took part in the survey.

 

Read more of WOW’s Social Media Guide For 2013

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