As discussed in the previous few posts, SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) issued a special edition of their HR Magazine earlier this year, featuring the world’s top experts on a variety of human resources topics. Today, we are going to take a look at the ways in which social media are changing recruitment across the world and how this phenomenon affects local talent and ultimately, your business. So, let’s jump in and take a look at what Danielle Monaghan, head of talent acquisition at @Amazon in Seattle, has to say about the coming trends.

• Global recruitment takes on a mobile element – As more companies shift to using application platforms that utilize mobile technology, global recruitment will take place on a larger scale since it is now easier to reach candidates around the world.
• According to data from Jobsite and other leading survey groups, roughly 75% of job seekers now utilize smartphones and other mobile devices to research companies, apply for jobs, and network with professionals in the industry.
• Mobile job application capabilities (aka companies having the technology and utilizing these options will snatch up the star talent before anyone else can!) will no longer be nice to have. They’ll be necessary for success!
• A widening skills gap will call for global talent acquisition strategies. In other words, because the skills gap will continue to grow in the U.S., companies will be looking overseas to find star talent with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed with little hand-holding.
• Social professional networks will become a critical source for finding top talent. Think LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Makerbase to name a few. Don’t have a LinkedIn account? Now’s the time to set it up because by the end of 2016, this is predicted to be a huge source of networking for your organization!

Although we’ve seen it in other articles and blogs for the past several years, it seems 2016 is undeniably the year of mobile and social technology. Now’s the time to get connected and check into those mobile job application services. Position yourself and your company for success rather than trying to play catch-up too late in the game.