Job Front: Social media expected to play bigger role in hiring

Social media will play a bigger role in companies' hiring decisions, the skills gap will continue to grow, and employers will find ways to cater to a more diverse, multi-generational workforce.

Those are a few of the trends that placement firm Robert Half International expects will develop in 2013.

"With recent advancements in social media, an increasingly diverse workforce and continued demand for skilled talent, employers and job seekers have much to prepare for in the new year," Katie Evans of Robert Half International said in a statement on the trends.

On social media, Robert Half anticipates companies' human resource staffers will use networks such as LinkedIn, Twitter and other platforms to engage employees and to recruit and develop talent.

As it stands, social media have become an essential recruiting and development tool for the human resources professional.

Consider that 92 percent of employers either use or plan to use social media to recruit employees, according to the 2012 Social Recruiting Survey by the careers website Jobvite. It found that nearly three in four – 73 percent – say they have hired candidates through social media.

The gap between employer demand and employees' skills will continue to widen in 2013, says Robert Half International, as companies continue to focus on specialization.

The staffing firm found the skills gap issue pressing enough to release a special report in November examining the problem, finding that key jobs are not being filled.

According to that report, "The Demand for Skilled Talent," some 64 percent of companies say they have positions they often cannot fill with qualified applicants.

Meanwhile, Robert Half International said employers will have to custom-fit how they recruit, hire and retain their employees to address generational needs.

Job search workshop set

SacProNet, the Sacramento Professional Network, holds its monthly Job Search Orientation on Wednesday in South Natomas.

The free workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sacramento Public Library's South Natomas branch, 2901 Truxel Road.

Job seekers can find tips on how to craft résumés and develop a personal brand as well as how to strengthen interviewing skills.

SPN is a network of more than 100 professional job seekers which conducts weekly meetings devoted to helping its members find employment.

To register, visit www.sacpronet.com, then select the event calendar. Space is limited.

Getting a state job

Job seekers can learn how to apply for employment with the state of California in a free workshop in Sacramento.

The noon seminar, "The State Civil Service Hiring Process," will be offered Feb. 27 at the state Personnel Board offices, 801 Capitol Mall.

Attendees will learn how to search for examinations and read examination bulletins, as well as how to search for vacancies and apply for positions.

The seminar also will review the Limited Examination and Appointment Program, or LEAP, which assists in the recruiting and hiring of people with disabilities into state service.

For more information, visit www.jobs.ca.gov/Job/LunchSeminars.