SuccessFactors and LinkedIn are two powerful platforms that can provide tremendous value when integrated. SuccessFactors is a leading human capital management (HCM) software solution that helps organizations manage the entire employee lifecycle. LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform with over 740 million members. By connecting these two systems, organizations can enhance talent acquisition, improve employee engagement, and leverage powerful analytics.
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to integrate SuccessFactors with LinkedIn. We’ll cover the key requirements, benefits, and best practices to ensure a smooth and effective integration. Whether you’re looking to optimize your existing implementation or considering a new integration, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to get started.
Key Requirements for Integrating SuccessFactors and LinkedIn
Before diving into the technical details, it’s important to understand the key requirements for integrating SuccessFactors and LinkedIn:
LinkedIn Recruiter System Connect
This is LinkedIn’s built-in integration system that allows you to connect LinkedIn Recruiter with other HR platforms. To integrate with SuccessFactors, you need to have LinkedIn Recruiter licenses and the Recruiter System Connect option enabled.
SuccessFactors Recruiting Integration Package
This standard integration package from SuccessFactors allows you to connect to various recruitment sources, including LinkedIn Recruiter. You need to have this package enabled in your SuccessFactors instance.
API Keys
To enable communication between the two platforms, you need LinkedIn API keys which are generated from your LinkedIn Recruiter account. These keys allow SuccessFactors to make API calls to LinkedIn.
Tenant Administration Rights
To complete the integration, you need administrative access to both your LinkedIn and SuccessFactors accounts to configure settings and authorize the data sharing.
Key Benefits of Integrating SuccessFactors and LinkedIn
Some of the major benefits of connecting SuccessFactors Recruiting with LinkedIn include:
Enhanced Talent Sourcing
Leverage LinkedIn’s extensive database of over 740 million professionals. You can source, connect with, and manage candidates directly in SuccessFactors.
Improved Candidate Engagement
Use LinkedIn messaging and InMail to engage with passive candidates who aren’t actively job searching. This expands your talent pool.
Powerful Analytics
Gain insights into your sourcing and recruiting KPIs across platforms. Track effectiveness of job postings, candidate sources, and recruiter performance.
Streamlined Workflow
Eliminate manual data entry and duplication of efforts by automatically sharing candidate data between LinkedIn and SuccessFactors.
Enhanced Employer Branding
Promote your employer brand by sharing content and job postings on LinkedIn. Leverage employee advocacy and networks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring the Integration
Now that we’ve covered the key requirements and benefits, let’s walk through the step-by-step process for setting up the integration:
Step 1: Obtain LinkedIn API Keys
Log into your LinkedIn Recruiter account and go to Account > API Keys to generate your Client ID and Client Secret values. You’ll need to provide these keys later when configuring SuccessFactors.
Step 2: Activate the Recruiter System Connect
Under Account Settings, enable Recruiter System Connect. Review the terms and activate the integration capabilities.
Step 3: Configure SuccessFactors Recruiting Settings
In your SuccessFactors admin, go to Recruiting > Sources > Source Connection Settings. Click “New” to create a new third-party source connection. Select “LinkedIn Recruiter SSC” as the source type.
Step 4: Enter LinkedIn Credentials
Enter your LinkedIn Client ID and Client Secret values generated earlier. Provide a name for your connection.
Step 5: Specify LinkedIn Recruiter Company
Enter your LinkedIn Recruiter Company ID value. This links the connection to your LinkedIn Recruiter account.
Step 6: Select Integration Services
Select the integration services you want to enable between SuccessFactors and LinkedIn – Candidate Import, Candidate Export, and Job Posting are commonly used.
Step 7: Authorize Data Sharing
Review the personal data sharing confirmation and authorize to complete the connection setup.
Step 8: Test the Integration
In SuccessFactors, try importing a candidate from LinkedIn. Then try exporting a candidate. Verify the data flows accurately between the systems.
Best Practices for an Effective Integration
To ensure you maximize the value from integrating LinkedIn and SuccessFactors, here are some key best practices:
Clean Up Data in Both Systems
Remove outdated job posts, irrelevant candidates, and duplicate records to improve data flows between the platforms.
Provide Recruiter Training
Conduct training on how to use LinkedIn’s recruiter tools within SuccessFactors for finding candidates, messaging, and managing the hiring workflow.
Monitor KPIs Regularly
Track key metrics like source of hire, recruiter productivity, and job posting performance to optimize your sourcing strategy.
Automate Screening and Ranking
Use automated screening questions and candidate ranking rules to filter quality talent more efficiently.
Promote Open Jobs on LinkedIn
Share job posts, employee content, and sponsored updates on LinkedIn to boost reach and candidate interest.
Leverage All Candidate Fields
Map all relevant LinkedIn and SuccessFactors candidate fields during integration to transfer complete profiles.
Stay Up-to-date
Monitor release notes and new features from LinkedIn and SuccessFactors to take advantage of ongoing improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LinkedIn Recruiter?
LinkedIn Recruiter is LinkedIn’s talent acquisition platform that integrates with LinkedIn to help organizations source, engage, and manage candidates. Key features include advanced searching, InMail, pipeline and dashboard analytics, and more.
What is SuccessFactors Recruiting?
SuccessFactors Recruiting is part of the SuccessFactors HCM suite and helps organizations manage and optimize their entire recruitment process in one place. This includes job posting, candidate management, interview scheduling, offer management and more.
What data is shared between SuccessFactors and LinkedIn?
Common fields shared include candidate profile information, resumes, contact info, job applications, activity history, hiring status, job requisitions, and feedback/notes. You can customize exactly which fields are transferred.
Is any manual data entry required?
The integration automatically transfers data between the two systems. However, you may need to manually enter some supplemental data like candidate feedback or custom screening questions.
How do I post jobs to LinkedIn from SuccessFactors?
With the integration enabled, recruiters can create job requisitions in SuccessFactors. These can then be published to LinkedIn with a single click as part of the requisition workflow.
Conclusion
Integrating LinkedIn Recruiter with SuccessFactors delivers significant advantages by bringing together the best of both platforms. Follow the requirements and configuration steps outlined to get your integration up and running smoothly. Adopt the best practices around training, automation, and analytics to optimize performance. With some careful planning and execution, you can achieve seamless data flows, efficient workflows, and enhanced recruiting results.