taming big data and using it in your talent acquisition strategy

February 12, 2015

The rise of ‘big data’ is one of the most significant developments in recruitment in the last five years.

This ever-expanding collective of rich data presents huge opportunities and intimidating challenges for anyone hoping to leverage it. In 2015, expect even more innovative ways for organizations and employers to tame big data to impact their recruitment and HR strategy.

Today, with the advent of cloud computing, the phenomenal growth of social media, and the increasing presence of crowdsourcing, information is readily available at your fingertips. Consider the vast amount of candidate data from just one site: LinkedIn. The leading professional social network boasts a membership of nearly 350 million around the world, with high growth potential in many developing markets. Facebook, increasingly used by recruiters and candidates, reports more than 1.3 billion active users each month. The amount of personal data from just these two sites alone is a significant opportunity for any recruiter.

5 tips for putting big data to work for you

    1. employ a methodology: To gain value from big data, you must have a plan and process to find the talent you seek. Consider the methodology that best complements your existing skillsets and technology suite.
     

  2. have the right tools: A wide array of existing and new technologies is available to help unravel the mysteries of big data. Choose your weapons wisely.
     

 

3. look to the experts: Sourcing has readily become a specialized field in the past five years, and there is no shortage of knowledgeable experts who can help you better find that needle in a haystack. If you lack the internal expertise, consider your outsourcing options.

     

  4. keep social in mind: Personalized search performed by search engines means information on social networks is widely leveraged. To impress candidates who are looking at your organization, make sure you have a strong social presence that adds to your employer brand.
     

  5. operate compliantly: Always operate within the bounds of applicable regulations. Leveraging big data requires expertise but also respect for how you acquire and use the information you seek. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
     

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About the Randstad Sourceright 2015 Talent Trends Report:

Covering 25 of the most dynamic and pressing issues facing workers and employers right now, and the concerns they have for the future, our subject matter experts explore how these trends will affect organizations, and provide practical tips on how to cope with them.

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