The Dynamics of Recruitment in the Romanian Public Sector: The Role of Digital Platforms Within the Institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Abstract

Social media has become a vital recruitment channel for both the public and private sectors. This chapter examines the digital modernization of public sector recruitment in Romania, with a focus on the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI). It analyzes the digital strategies employed by the MAI’s primary employers—the Romanian Police, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU), and the Romanian Gendarmerie—to advertise job openings. These institutions were selected due to their continuous, high-volume recruitment demands. The research aims to understand how these key state institutions adapt to the digital age and engage a new generation of candidates who use social media as their primary source for employment opportunities. The methodology consists of a contenst analysis of recruitment posts published on the official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages of the three institutions studied over a one-year period (2024). This paper offers valuable insights into the digitization of Human Resources (HM) processes within state institutions and evaluates the effectiveness of digital communication strategies in attracting talent. By examining the digitalization of recruitment, HR management, and the differences between public and private sector approaches, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary HR practices in a governmental context.