The Critical Assessment of the Role of LinkedIn and Facebook as Online Recruitment Tools in Pakistan

Abstract

This paper aims at critically analysing the role of two popular Social Networking Sites (SNSs) such as Facebook and LinkedIn as recruitment tools in Pakistan. First, the paper focuses the features and trends of SNSs as online recruitment tools, and second to the perception of job seekers and recruiters about LinkedIn and Facebook as prominent recruitment tools. LinkedIn as compared to Facebook or any other SNS was found to be the most preferred platform for recruitment for both recruiters and job seekers. The perceived common advantages of Facebook in the opinion of both employers and job seekers include: more users/employers on Facebook, increase visibility, word of mouth, and background checks for candidates & employers. Likewise, the key benefits of LinkedIn include: professional networking site, most used by recruiters, increased visibility, and showcasing resumes. This study found that recruiters and job seekers have to spend maximum time for managing profiles, and employers also need to face challenges regarding ethical and legal aspects. It is recommended that companies in Pakistan need to take advantage of different tools and features of Facebook and LinkedIn to gain benefits from them as free recruitment tools.

Keywords: Social Networking Sites (SNSs), Facebook, LinkedIn, Human resource, Recruitment