ContactOut’s Definitive Guide to Social Selling for Recruiters

This guide is about leveraging the power of social media platforms to engage and connect with potential candidates, enhancing the recruitment process through social selling techniques.


What will you learn by the end of this guide? 🎓

  • The concept and importance of social selling for recruiters..
  • Practical steps to implement social selling effectively.
  • How to utilize tools like ContactOut’s AI for better engagement.

Why is it important? 🌟

In today’s digital age, candidates are active on various social platforms. Tapping into these platforms not only broadens the talent pool but also allows for a more personalized and engaging recruitment process. It’s about building genuine relationships and understanding the needs of potential candidates.


Here’s the step by step to do it: 🚀

1. Profile Optimization:

Ensure your social media profiles are professional and approachable. Craft a concise statement that encapsulates your UVP (Unique Value Proposition). One way of doing this is by reflecting on your strengths, personal experiences, and values.

✅ Your bio should clearly convey your role and expertise. Instead of “John Doe, Recruiter”, use “John Doe | Tech Talent Specialist | Helping Engineers Find Their Dream Jobs”.

Check out Textio’s VP of TA and DEIB, Jackye Clayton’s profile 🔎

2. Build Credibility:

Share relevant content, engage in meaningful conversations, and showcase success stories or testimonials. This will help build credibility and boost engagement in the long run.

✅ Share insights, tips, and stories that resonate with your audience. Notice how Jackye Clayton’s featured posts are aligned with here expertise in DEIB, empahsizing her role as a thought leader in the space.

3. Engage Authentically:

Don’t just push job openings. Share valuable content and start genuine conversations with candidates and industry leaders alike.

✅ Instead of directly pitching a job, comment on their posts, appreciate their achievements, or share their content. If a potential candidate shares an article they wrote, comment with: “Great insights on AI advancements, [Name]! Have you ever considered working with [Your Company]?”

✅ Use ContactOut’s AI Connection Request Messaging feature to write personalized notes in seconds.

4. Personalize Your Approach:

LinkedIn connection request messages are either lacking or simply bland. This reduces your chances of getting that invitation accepted. Tailor your messages based on what you’ve learned about the candidate from their social profiles.

✅ Use ContactOut’s custom icebreakers via Chrome extension. Copy the one you like the most, tweak, or click “Refresh” until you land on the perfect message to engage with your audience.

5. Create Value-Driven Content:

Create a strong brand by sharing valuable content regularly: industry insights and success stories.

✅ Use ContactOut’s AI Commenter via Chrome extension. Click on our ContactOut’s mascot ‘Connie’ icon to reveal 4 ways to generate a comment: 1. Add Value 2. Question 3. Compliment 4. Say thanks Remember to personalise and revise the generated comment to suit your tone of voice and personality, as well as share any other additional insights or tips.

✅ Example: Sharing our customer success stories on ContactOut LinkedIn company page

✅ Use tools like HubSpot or LinkedIn’s analytics to monitor your engagement rates. Use analytics to understand what’s working and what’s not. Adjust your strategy accordingly.

If you notice that posts shared in the morning get more engagement, adjust your posting schedule accordingly.

Image source: hubspot.com

Remember, building a personal brand is a continuous journey. Stay authentic, be consistent, and always strive for growth


Next steps 🌱

  • Stay Consistent. Set a content calendar. Engage regularly with your audience, even if it’s just a few times a week.
  • Conduct Periodic Surveys or Informal Chats. Use feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with Industry Experts. Guest post on their platforms or invite them to share on yours.
  • Join Webinars or Live Sessions. Network with like-minded experts.

Further resources 📚:


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