24 Month Facebook Recruiting report

[OldGuy]

About two years ago we started using Facebook jobs as a recruiting tool. We have had successes along the way. We also implemented a social media growth strategy that has taken us from a community of about 200 to over 800 in that time frame.

This year we have been averaging one "application" a week, this month seven so far!

Call it 30* folks that have applied, we have interviewed fewer than a dozen and three* have joined and an equal number are still kicking the tires.

All in all an amazingly low calorie, low cost evergreen tool.

* Numbers are estimates.

[Fester]

Mind sharing a screenshot of your ads?

[OldGuy]

Mind sharing a screenshot of your ads?

Check you PMs.

[Eclipse]

3 members is the same hit rate you'd get on word of mouth recruiting.

If anything you're making the argument that 90% of the people answering your
ad are inappropriate matches for CAP, and a waste of both their time and yours.

[OldGuy]

3 members is the same hit rate you'd get on word of mouth recruiting.

Yep, except we are getting BOTH.

If anything you're making the argument that 90% of the people answering your
ad are inappropriate matches for CAP, and a waste of both their time and yours.

Odd, that is not at all our experience. Rather 90% are just not ready YET. YMMV.

[Fester]

3 members is the same hit rate you'd get on word of mouth recruiting.

If anything you're making the argument that 90% of the people answering your
ad are inappropriate matches for CAP, and a waste of both their time and yours.

You really are a bundle of sunshine.

[CAP9907]

3 members is the same hit rate you'd get on word of mouth recruiting.

If anything you're making the argument that 90% of the people answering your
ad are inappropriate matches for CAP, and a waste of both their time and yours.

You really are a bundle of sunshine.

Not sure what that has to do with this but..

3 in 24 months. I had the same reaction: is the ROI worth it? Dunno, maybe OldGuy can quantify or clarify that..

~9907

[OldGuy]

Not sure what that has to do with this but..

3 in 24 months. I had the same reaction: is the ROI worth it? Dunno, maybe OldGuy can quantify or clarify that..

~9907

I was not clear, sorry. Three so far this year, a total of more than double that since we started this 2 years ago.

ROI? Zero cost, minimal time, decent results. Yeah, a great ROI. Our best recruiting events are open houses, but since we have been in 4 locations this last year, those have not been practical. And have WAY more work involved.

[etodd]

About two years ago we started using Facebook jobs as a recruiting tool.

Strictly Facebook Job Listings?  Or are you also using your squadron's FB page to create posts to entice visitors and make sure all the members, friends and family are "sharing" them to help them go viral (at least locally)?  Yes, there are some people that search FB job listings for volunteer opportunities, but may people do even know about FB jobs.  Sharing local Squadron posts will hit people that may not be looking, yet might see something that will stir interest.   Lots of way to use social media to attract people.

[OldGuy]

About two years ago we started using Facebook jobs as a recruiting tool.

Strictly Facebook Job Listings?  Or are you also using your squadron's FB page to create posts to entice visitors and make sure all the members, friends and family are "sharing" them to help them go viral (at least locally)?  Yes, there are some people that search FB job listings for volunteer opportunities, but may people do even know about FB jobs.  Sharing local Squadron posts will hit people that may not be looking, yet might see something that will stir interest.   Lots of way to use social media to attract people.

We do both, but the jobs listings are bringing people in who are not at all related to any other outreach.

[OldGuy]

My opinion is that Recruiting and Retention are complex processes. There is not just one path to success. What I like about this part of the process is that it helps bring up brand identity to a LOT of people in the community who never otherwise would have heard of us. Plus we are getting a consistent stream of potential applicants with very, very little added efforts.

[JacobAnn]

I have to agree with you OldGuy.  It's a great approach to recruiting.

[OldGuy]

I have to agree with you OldGuy.  It's a great approach to recruiting.

Thanks. Kudos to the Wing staff folks who started this.

[Gunsotsu]

What're your cadet numbers for that same period?

[OldGuy]

What're your cadet numbers for that same period?

We are seeing about the same cadet program growth primarily through home school organizations.

[Gunsotsu]

That doesn't answer the question. How many cadets?

Were you serious about this, you could always screencap your unit growth graph (available in eServices) for the last 60 months. You know, show proof.

[etodd]

That doesn't answer the question. How many cadets?

Were you serious about this, you could always screencap your unit growth graph (available in eServices) for the last 60 months. You know, show proof.

Notice the top post.  It wasn't a question, nor a request. It wasn't baiting for responses.  It could have been locked at the start and would have been a nice simple post of someone who was happy with what was "working for them" and they simply wanted to share their happiness with others.

But its CAPTalk ... where people immediately want to destroy any happy posts and demand proof that anything happy actually occurred. And they are not happy until they make the happy person sorry they ever posted.

Time and time again here in CAPTalk. This place is good for laughs.   

[Eclipse]

Correlation does not imply causation, and there are any number of posters here
that feel posting fake jobs ads is no cricket (at best).

In this case, there is no evidence that the results were better then the placebo control group.

[OldGuy]

Correlation does not imply causation,...

That is a meaningless phrase. When people respond to an add looking for volunteers - show up based on an interview time set via the add and then join, the source is clear and inarguable.

... and there are any number of posters here
that feel posting fake jobs ads is no cricket (at best).

Again, a false issue. There is nothing FAKE about what we are doing. Your continued claim that we post FAKE ads is lacking in respect. And you know it.

In this case, there is no evidence that the results were better then the placebo control group.

Babble. We get members from Facebook that would never have found us otherwise. That you play word games because you do not like social media just to denigrate our efforts is, again, disrespectful. Rude. And wrong.

[OldGuy]

That doesn't answer the question. How many cadets?

I answered, I don't know. Most of the responses this year have been seniors.

Were you serious about this, you could always screencap your unit growth graph (available in eServices) for the last 60 months. You know, show proof.

Or not. You want proof? Why? My words are suspect? Are you calling me a liar? Again, how about that respect thing? You know, the core values?

[Gunsotsu]

There's only squadron one that fits the claims made in the whole of WAWG. Those numbers don't support the notion that what's being done on Facebook is improving membership beyond the mean average for the rest of WAWG. Guessing from the data therein, the squadron in question has implemented the cohort method and those numbers show improvement, but the senior membership is well within the average CAP as a whole.

Exciting short term gains do not equate to success.

[Holding Pattern]

There's only squadron one that fits the claims made in the whole of WAWG. Those numbers don't support the notion that what's being done on Facebook is improving membership beyond the mean average for the rest of WAWG. Guessing from the data therein, the squadron in question has implemented the cohort method and those numbers show improvement, but the senior membership is well within the average CAP as a whole.

Exciting short term gains do not equate to success.

Not even close.

[OldGuy]

Exciting short term gains do not equate to success.

I am not in WAWG for what it is worth. And real gains sustained over multiple reporting quarters and with accelerating growth actually do equate to success.

[Gunsotsu]

Your history would indicate otherwise. Regardless, those of us skeptical and curious still would rather see the data than the conjecture.

[THRAWN]

That doesn't answer the question. How many cadets?

I answered, I don't know. Most of the responses this year have been seniors.

Were you serious about this, you could always screencap your unit growth graph (available in eServices) for the last 60 months. You know, show proof.

Or not. You want proof? Why? My words are suspect? Are you calling me a liar? Again, how about that respect thing? You know, the core values?

You made a claim, back it with actual data, not "estimates".

[OldGuy]

Your history would indicate otherwise. Regardless, those of us skeptical and curious still would rather see the data than the conjecture.

Again, your lack of respect says something.

[OldGuy]

You made a claim, back it with actual data, not "estimates".

Why? I made a factual statement. I do not have access to the hard data, nor do I care if you want that. My statements are factual based on experience. YMMV.

[THRAWN]

You made a claim, back it with actual data, not "estimates".

Why? I made a factual statement. I do not have access to the hard data, nor do I care if you want that. My statements are factual based on experience. YMMV.

Your numbers, as misleading and inaccurate as they are, do not support your claim of this activity being a success. Your reluctance to provide actual data supports the suspicion that while there may be some value to this activity, it is not as valuable as you claim it is. Not having access to hard data calls into question the validity of the numbers that you claim are factual. If you don't want people questioning your claims, don't make them.

[OldGuy]

Your numbers, as misleading and inaccurate as they are,....

Misleading? In what way? Innacurate? How so?

...do not support your claim of this activity being a success.

Common respect could cause you to take my statements at face value.

Your reluctance to provide actual data ...

You misspelled inability.  I do not have access to all the numbers.

...supports the suspicion that while there may be some value to this activity, it is not as valuable as you claim it is.

Suspicion? Why? And to what end?

If you don't want people questioning your claims, don't make them.

Is that really how you view other people in CAP? Your lack of basic respect is just incredible.

For the last two years, at a minimal investment in time, my old unit used Facebook to recruit at least a half dozen seniors and at least three cadets at NO COST and a minimal investment in time. You are free to try this or not. But to essentially call me a liar is not acceptable. More you and the others casting aspersions on my integrity detract from the reason CAPTALK exists which is to help others with good ideas. Why? Tell us why you think your ungentlemanly behavior is justified?

[THRAWN]

Your numbers, as misleading and inaccurate as they are,....

Misleading? In what way? Innacurate? How so?

...do not support your claim of this activity being a success.

Common respect could cause you to take my statements at face value.

Your reluctance to provide actual data ...

You misspelled inability.  I do not have access to all the numbers.

...supports the suspicion that while there may be some value to this activity, it is not as valuable as you claim it is.

Suspicion? Why? And to what end?

If you don't want people questioning your claims, don't make them.

Is that really how you view other people in CAP? Your lack of basic respect is just incredible.

For the last two years, at a minimal investment in time, my old unit used Facebook to recruit at least a half dozen seniors and at least three cadets at NO COST and a minimal investment in time. You are free to try this or not. But to essentially call me a liar is not acceptable. More you and the others casting aspersions on my integrity detract from the reason CAPTALK exists which is to help others with good ideas. Why? Tell us why you think your ungentlemanly behavior is justified?

You made a statement, but refuse to back it with verifiable data. Basic respect works both ways. You want to show that this plan works, provide the data, or don't bother bringing it up. Anybody can make claims about a program that they are using, but without the numbers, your claims are no better than fiction. That's not disrespect, it's diligence. You keep dodging the numbers issue. You started this whole caper with a series of "estimated" numbers. If you don't have the actual figures, don't even attempt to make the point. 77% of all discussions that start this way are not based in fact.

[OldGuy]

You made a statement, but refuse to back it with verifiable data. Basic respect works both ways. You want to show that this plan works, provide the data, or don't bother bringing it up. Anybody can make claims about a program that they are using, but without the numbers, your claims are no better than fiction. That's not disrespect, it's diligence. You keep dodging the numbers issue. You started this whole caper with a series of "estimated" numbers. If you don't have the actual figures, don't even attempt to make the point. 77% of all discussions that start this way are not based in fact.

I provided numbers. That you do not accept them is on you. Again, respect.  If you want precision, sorry. As for your bizarro claim "77% of all discussions that start this way are not based in fact" it is an naked excuse to disrespect others. Shame on you.

[TheSkyHornet]

// Commentary //

I find this conversation to be overwhelmingly ridiculous...even for this forum's standards...

[OldGuy]

// Commentary //

I find this conversation to be overwhelmingly ridiculous...even for this forum's standards...

Yep.

[Eclipse]

The original thread: http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=22402.msg406405#msg406405

The ads linked:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/SpokaneCAP/jobs/1955649024720256/

https://www.facebook.com/pg/SpokaneCAP/jobs/1491477284268062/

https://www.facebook.com/pg/SpokaneCAP/jobs/263820430802708/



I stand by my assertion both then and now that these are misleading at best, and
that the "results" are no better, or worse, then a unit doing random word of mouth
recruiting, except that you have wasted at least 27 people's time.

Also, someone disagreeing with you does not automatically equal disrespect.
That idea is born of the safe-space generation who only want likes and cry foul
when math becomes involved.

[OldGuy]

The original thread: http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=22402.msg406405#msg406405

The ads linked:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/SpokaneCAP/jobs/1955649024720256/

https://www.facebook.com/pg/SpokaneCAP/jobs/1491477284268062/

https://www.facebook.com/pg/SpokaneCAP/jobs/263820430802708/



I stand by my assertion both then and now that these are misleading at best, and
that the "results" are no better, or worse, then a unit doing random word of mouth
recruiting, except that you have wasted at least 27 people's time.

Also, someone disagreeing with you does not automatically equal disrespect.
That idea is born of the safe-space generation who only want likes and cry foul
when math becomes involved.

1 - They are not misleading. Not ONE applicant has been at all confused.
2 - Disagreement is not disrespect. Calling people a liar is.
3 - Your little "dig" at the "safe space" is an example of disrespect.
4 - Don't use social media (and you do not), stay away. This is not for you.

[Ned]

This is why we can't have nice things.

Please consider taking this part of the exchange to PM.

[etodd]

As someone who has been in the advertising and marketing business of various types since 1970 .... I can attest to how different markets can be.  And how something that works in one small town market, doesn't necessarily mean it could be taken nationwide. And vice versa. Often, grass roots efforts for one Squadron, simply will not work for another.

So one person finds something they think works for them.  Great! Everyone should be happy for them.  If you want to try it and see if the idea works in YOUR location, go for it. If you think it would not, then why criticize and demean another CAP member. Be happy for them, and move along.

Find what works for your Squadron..  Every Squadron, town , city, metro area, is so very different.

Celebrate our diversity in methodologies.  Be happy. 

[THRAWN]

As someone who has been in the advertising and marketing business of various types since 1970 .... I can attest to how different markets can be.  And how something that works in one small town market, doesn't necessarily mean it could be taken nationwide. And vice versa. Often, grass roots efforts for one Squadron, simply will not work for another.

So one person finds something they think works for them.  Great! Everyone should be happy for them.  If you want to try it and see if the idea works in YOUR location, go for it. If you think it would not, then why criticize and demean another CAP member. Be happy for them, and move along.

Find what works for your Squadron..  Every Squadron, town , city, metro area, is so very different.

Celebrate our diversity in methodologies.  Be happy. 

Diversity is all well and good, but when it is supported by vague numbers and muddy math, it calls into question the validity of the claim. "Estimates" and "about the same" figures with no specifics available raise doubts.

[OldGuy]

This is why we can't have nice things.

Please consider taking this part of the exchange to PM.

Yep.

[etodd]

As someone who has been in the advertising and marketing business of various types since 1970 .... I can attest to how different markets can be.  And how something that works in one small town market, doesn't necessarily mean it could be taken nationwide. And vice versa. Often, grass roots efforts for one Squadron, simply will not work for another.

So one person finds something they think works for them.  Great! Everyone should be happy for them.  If you want to try it and see if the idea works in YOUR location, go for it. If you think it would not, then why criticize and demean another CAP member. Be happy for them, and move along.

Find what works for your Squadron..  Every Squadron, town , city, metro area, is so very different.

Celebrate our diversity in methodologies.  Be happy. 

Diversity is all well and good, but when it is supported by vague numbers and muddy math, it calls into question the validity of the claim. "Estimates" and "about the same" figures with no specifics available raise doubts.

If you have doubts ... don't try it. Simple as that.  Move on.  Its just bad form to tear someone apart for no other reason that just to do it.  And its becoming more and more the status quo here.  Sad people online, that cannot stand it when someone happy comes along.  Geez.

(OK .... 3 ... 2....1)

[SarDragon]

Zero.
Click.