There are several avenues to connect job seekers with employers, but one of the most effective and often underutilized tools is social media.
Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, these platforms provide a clear line of communication.
With the younger generation entering the labour market, it’s more important than ever to connect with them directly. Instagram alone has over 1 billion active users and close to 70 per cent of those users are under the age of 35.
Agilec recently dove into Instagram to keep candidates informed about events, job fairs, open houses, community outreach dates and workshops at their office in Orillia.
Eran Devine is an Employment Coach and Marketing Coordinator. Their local Instagram account is full of useful information not just for job seekers, but employers and community partners in Orillia.
“Because we have a lot of outreach, specific events, workshops, services and programs that change often, it is a really good platform with Facebook and Instagram to share those updates with people,” Devine said.
She creates and shares the local content for Agilec Orillia’s social media accounts, but Instagram might be one of their most effective ways to reach people. It’s a simple way for someone to find out more about their services and what they can provide to anyone looking for a job.
Devine finds the social posts that get the most traction are the ones that simply highlight anyone can walk through Agilec’s door for free employment services. As an Employment Ontario partner, employment services are no charge for anyone seeking help, regardless of the situation.
“People come through the door and say: ‘I don’t have a license. I don’t have child care. I have a criminal record. I’m currently living in my vehicle.’ Whatever it might be. We meet people where they’re at, and we go from there,” Devine said.
“When we’re making posts that highlight: ‘Is this your situation? Come through our door. We can help with that.’ Those are the ones where we get the most engagement through service users and community partners.”
It’s not just information for job seekers, Agilec Orillia also shares useful pointers for employers.
Things like how to make their workplace more inclusive, or how to accommodate people with disabilities or barriers in the workplace.
Like most businesses, Agilec had to pivot since the start of the pandemic to get the message out about their workshops and job fairs. Today, all it takes is a social post to gain some traction and create awareness for their events.
“We’ve had almost three years with no meet and greets or no networking events happening,” Devine said. “It became a really important tool, where people could just say: ‘What’s going on with Agilec? Let’s go over to their Facebook page.’”
Websites are a static source of information, but social posts help pull in people that otherwise might not have heard about Agilec or the services they provide.
“People are more likely to utilize social media now more than websites because everyone wants their information quickly,” Devine said. “Being able to offer that option to people is going to be helpful to getting people in the door faster and getting people the information they need faster.”
To connect with Agilec Orillia, follow them on Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out Agilec.ca to find out about everything they can provide in your job search or finding candidates.