Networking has always been important but with the explosion of social media, its importance has dramatically increased research from talent and career management consultancy.

• Facebook hot on the heels of LinkedIn as the most useful social network site for sourcing candidates
• Video technology to become more prolific in hiring decisions

Face-to-face and social networking was used by 74 percent of the recruiters and HR managers surveyed. Of the most useful social/professional networking sites for sourcing candidates, LinkedIn topped the list (61 percent) but surprisingly Facebook was cited by over half (52 percent) as the second most useful site, demonstrating that social media networks and data sources are being used increasingly for professional benefit.

Developments in technology are also making their mark in the recruitment process. While just 17 percent stated they used video CV’s now, this jumped up to almost half (48 percent) who said they would consider using them in the future. Similarly, webcam/video technology is not used commonly in selection process now but 40 percent said it was likely to increase in the next five years.

Nicola Deas, Practice Leader of Career Management at Right Management, said: “It’s critical, particularly in this difficult job market, that job seekers have support to develop the right skills and have access to the right opportunities to find employment. It’s never been more important to learn how to effectively network with peers – online and offline – as well as being able to create a great online profile with compelling messages that will get noticed by employers and recruiters. It’s not enough to have just to have a good CV today.”