The Conference Aims

Following a recent research review, it has become increasingly apparent that there is still considerable confusion around the use of social media in a graduate recruitment context.

Asking ten graduate recruiters for their definition of social media elicits ten different, and sometimes conflicting, answers. Amazingly, many graduate recruiters indicated they already have social media covered; yet when probed, many were actually still coming to terms with how best to integrate a social media strategy into their current media mix.

The key aim of this conference is to demonstrate how graduate recruiters can successfully use this vital new media in order to enhance their campaigns. With the help of leading futurologists, including Matt Alder (Metashift), the conference will highlight the main differences on offer through the various social media platforms and tools. The bespoke research carried out by milkround.com and AIA, will deliver messages demonstrating exactly how the current cohort (Gen C) of graduates use these tools and platforms, showing what they like and dislike.

A variety of case studies will identify the 'barriers to success' recruiters have faced (both internally and externally) when rolling out their social media strategy and how such obstacles can be successfully overcome.

With a 'how to' approach the conference will deliver a blue-print of a plan a graduate recruiter can take in order to devise a social media strategy to dove-tail into their organisation’s main recruitment strategy.

The end of the day looks to raise questions about what the future holds from a social media perspective. With the entry of the Gen C cohort, how are organisations fixed to deal with next generation of CV's – the Social CV?

In conclusion

The aim of the day is 'educate-demonstrate-implement.' Hopefully all attendees will leave the conference armed with top tips on how to implement a social media strategy into their existing graduate recruitment plan. They will also have a greater insight into how other organisations have navigated these new waters and will hopefully be better prepared for the internal battle which many face in having to educate their peers and managers to why and how their organisation’s strategy could and should change.