Selecting talent using social networks: A mixed-methods study.

Area of Science:

• Human Resource Management
• Organizational Psychology
• Information Systems

Background:

• Existing research on Social Networking Sites (SNS) in personnel selection often treats the process monolithically.
• Personnel selection is a complex macro-process involving multiple distinct activities.
• Understanding SNS usage at different stages is crucial for effective hiring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how human resource professionals utilize SNS for hiring decisions at various stages of the selection process.
• To differentiate user patterns and motivations for SNS use in recruitment.

Main Methods:

• An explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach was employed.
• Study 1: A survey of 429 hiring professionals to describe current practices.
• Study 2: Semi-structured interviews with 24 hiring professionals for in-depth analysis.

Main Results:

• Two user types emerged: single-stage users focused on efficiency, and multiple-stage users accessed profiles as needed.
• SNS usage patterns are complex and dynamic, involving repeated profile reviews and cross-platform examination.
• Information assessment is generally non-systematic, with some use of scales primarily in pre-selection, and potential adverse effects were noted.

Conclusions:

• This study provides novel insights into the nuanced application of SNS throughout the personnel selection lifecycle.
• It highlights the dynamic and often unsystematic nature of SNS data assessment in hiring.
• This research is the first mixed-methods study to explore SNS use across distinct stages of personnel selection.