LinkedIn: The French see little use for social media in job hunting

43% of French people have less than 100 relationships on social networks and only 14% of them see in their 'social community' a way to boost their career.

LinkedIn, the first professional network in France and around the world, reveals the results of a new study on how the French conduct their job searching.

The study unveils that the job search process is considered tedious, and finding the right position to apply for is the most important part (according to 24% of respondents) of the research process.

While 43% of French people have fewer than 100 social media connections, only 14% of them see their social network as a way to boost their career and find a job. However, 42% of them think that it is a real advantage to know people through friends in the industry or company in which one is applying.

"In the social media era, the idea of ​​community has taken on a new meaning. We are witnessing the emergence of Generation C, a state of mind that refers to people who are digitally connected and who are totally immersed in a world of social connections and shareable content. Yet, the study reveals that the French on the networks do not spontaneously solicit their social relations established on the networks to advance their career and help them to find a job," said Esther Ohayon, spokesperson for LinkedIn France.

The study also identified the main barriers to job search facing the French. More than one-third (33%) of those surveyed say they fear that their application will be rejected by a potential employer, while 24% find the job search process stressful and 24% feel a lack of self-confidence in applying. In addition, 44% of respondents think that it is the different professional experiences that make the difference in getting a job.

"With LinkedIn, the job search process is similar to how one interacts more with one's physical social environment. By sharing, posting and connecting to your LinkedIn professional network, it makes it easier to find the job you really want," Ohayon adds.

LinkedIn works by connecting professionals around the world to help them be more productive and successful, and transform the way companies do their hiring, marketing and sales. The company ambition is to create an economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce, developing continuously the first global mapping of the economy. LinkedIn currently has over 610 million members and offices around the world.

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