More applications through social recruiting – how to use LinkedIn, Instagram and other platforms effectively

Posting job ads and hoping someone applies? Those days are over. Today, the best talent spends their time on social media – from LinkedIn to Instagram to TikTok. But how can you use these platforms to target the right candidates and take your recruiting to the next level?

We'll show you step by step how successful social recruiting works and why your company should definitely give it a try.

Why social recruiting?

It's simple: because social media is where your future employees spend their time every day. Today's candidates don't want to search laboriously – they want to be found and approached. Social recruiting makes your company visible, attractive and approachable.

Short and sweet – the most important advantages:

• Quick and targeted approach to potential candidates

• Authentic insights into the company (employer branding)

• Greater reach and visibility among relevant target groups

• Shorter time-to-hire through direct contact and interaction

How to use social recruiting correctly – 5 tips for success:

1. Understand your target groups – choose your platforms wisely

Not every platform is suitable for every target group. LinkedIn is ideal for reaching specialists and executives, while Instagram and TikTok are better suited to young professionals and career starters. First define your target group and then choose the appropriate channels.

Practical tip

Recruiting tech talent? Use LinkedIn. Young target group? Focus on Instagram or TikTok.

2. Employer branding – be authentic, not perfect

Social media thrives on personality and authenticity. Offer genuine insights behind the scenes – photos of team events, employee stories or short videos from the office. Talented individuals do not want glossy brochures; they want to get to know real people.

Practical tip

Post ‘behind the scenes’ stories on Instagram or LinkedIn that present your team and your culture in a positive light.

3. Targeted approach – active and personal

Don't just wait for applications, but approach candidates directly via LinkedIn and other platforms. Make your messages personal, short and to the point. Candidates will immediately notice whether you are genuinely interested or just sending out mass emails.

Practical tip:

‘Hi Lisa, I was impressed by your latest LinkedIn project – I have an exciting position for you here. Would you be interested in a quick chat?’

4. Regularity beats one-off actions – stay visible

Social recruiting thrives on continuity. A single post quickly disappears from the timeline. Stay visible by regularly sharing interesting content and interacting with candidates.

Practical tip:

Post regularly (at least 1-2 times a week) on relevant channels and actively maintain your community.

5. Use AI tools – work smarter, not harder

Use modern tools such as aurio to find specific candidates, create automated, personalised messages and manage your activities efficiently.

Practical tip:

aurio creates AI-generated video messages that are perfect for social recruiting and inspire candidates in the long term.

Common mistakes in social recruiting – and how to avoid them

• Impersonal approach:

• Avoid standard messages. Always respond individually to profiles and interests.

• Wrong content on the wrong platform:

• Check regularly which content is well received on which platform – not everything fits everywhere.

• Irregular activity:

• Without continuity, there is no reach. Post regularly and stay on the ball.

Best practices: How to rock social recruiting

• LinkedIn:

• Publish exciting articles, share personal insights from employees, and use direct messages to target specific candidates.

• Instagram:

• Share authentic stories, short videos or ‘reels’ that show your team and are fun to watch.

• TikTok:

• Create light-hearted, creative videos about your everyday life or humorous recruiting clips for young talent.

Conclusion: Social recruiting is the future – if you do it right

Used correctly, social recruiting opens up completely new opportunities to attract and directly address talent. Use social media to present your company authentically, reach candidates personally and effectively shorten the application process.

Want to finally make your social recruiting successful and stress-free?

👉 Arrange a free demo now and revolutionise your recruiting!