What Exactly IS a Talent Community?

Well, here at Connections Recruiting we call our talent communities, Connection Communities and we have a little different take on what they can provide to both businesses and potential candidates. Our Communities provide an environment of like-individuals who wish to share and learn more about specific position openings. And these communities aren’t just about one company, but many different companies who have the common goal of looking for top talent. By joining a community, you can expect to learn more about hiring organizations than what might be typically listed on a job board. And for many positions, further insight as to what it’s like to work there.

We realize that many might think to themselves, “Why should I join a community? Can’t I just apply for a job when I decide to start looking for a new position?” And the answer is, of course that is something you can do. But where does that typically get you? Submitted applications from job boards often offer little to no follow up from an employer. Because most job boards can be accessed by anyone, regardless if someone is qualified, currently training or performing in the field the position is requesting, many great resumes are completely lost in the sea of applicants a posting typically creates. A talent community connects you with an organization allowing a relationship to develop. For example, if you are subscriber to the Connections Accounting Community, and a company posts an Accounting position, when you directly respond to a potential employer, letting them know that you are part of the community, it often gives you an automatic leg up.  You are not just a salesman looking for a way in to give a pitch who found out their information from a job board, you most likely have assessed the positions needs and feel that you are qualified to fill that role. Maybe it’s a position in an exciting company and you would like to be a part of it.

Here a just a few reasons you should take 30 seconds and sign up to a Connections Community

 Stay connected to companies you like.

Connections Communities are not just for job seekers. They allow you to stay in-the-know and help keep you connected to your favorite brands. Participate in discussions, contests, and even special events. And you never know, you might even be privy to exclusive positions which are only offered to community members.

See other positions in your area of expertise.  

Whether you are an active or passive job seeker, the key benefit of joining a community is the opportunity to learn and explore your options. Explore what companies do or produce. What is the overall culture of the business? Check out what people are saying about what it’s like to work there. If you are completely happy with your current position, that’s great! But since one never knows what the future holds, the day may come when you feel you need to make a move. By establishing yourself as a community member, you’ve given yourself the upper hand, you already have opportunities being emailed directly to you.

Just curious about what it’s like to work at another company? 

Once you join a community, organizations often provide insights as to what is happening inside the company.  In turn, it gives you a better understanding of what it could be like as an employee. What types of roles are available? Is the culture something that would really work for you? And, are the salary and benefits of the organization more inline with what you know you are worth?

Your dream job could be just a click away.  

Members of communities are typically given privileged information. Because businesses are aware that the communities are closed communities, they are more likely to share key information about the position. Imagine never having to search a career site. Having real opportunities that fit your skills, motivation, and expertise delivered straight to your inbox.

Organization’s sourcing strategies have changed. 

Talent communities in general have become the number one sourcing tool for companies when they are searching for new candidates/employees. Communities were developed in order for organizations to keep connected to a more specifically qualified talent audience.  Companies always want to keep a pipeline of top talent, however, the lack of technologies and other resources in the past didn’t allow an organization to keep in touch with their talent of choice; therefore, the talent often got lost in the black hole of an application process.  Our communities make it easy and efficient for organizations to keep in touch.

Efficiency in candidate searching is a must for any organization.

Companies are no longer able to cast a wide net hoping to attract perfect candidates. Many jobs are no longer posting on Monster, Career Builder, and the like anymore. It’s not only expensive, it’s inefficient.  Today, companies are focused on obtaining quality candidates. Receiving hundreds of non-qualified resumes is a waste of time and resources and often leads to great resumes being overlooked. Communities allow organizations to post positions and see who is really interested in them. It is all about a talent fit. Companies have learned that hiring talent who wants to be there is much less expensive than putting a body in a seat who might only be there for a paycheck.

Contribute quicker. 

Typically, you only start to learn about an organization’s culture when you are contacted about a potential interview.  As a member of a community, you can begin to learn before you’ve even apply. This decreases the on-boarding time and allows you to begin contributing to the organization sooner!

By joining a Connections Community, you’re allowing yourself to learn more. You’re also letting organizations know you may be interested in them as an employer.  It’s a great way to begin building connections well before you’ve even joined a company. Communities give you the opportunity to learn beyond what you would find from a typical job board. Connecting with this knowledge will allow you to make well-informed decisions about your next career move.

Sign up now and start receiving opportunities today. We believe that having Connections will be your best choice.