We HR pros sometimes ask, what’s the role of social media when it comes to recruitment? Are you guys just trying to hype social networking sites role in next HR revolution, hence, coming up with a “geeky” name i.e. social recruiting just to be cool? On the first question, it’s a lengthy discussion so I’ll just answer that later – hopefully I won’t ran out of words. And for the second question, brothers/sisters in the HR field, we’re living in a new world and this trend is going to stay of which we don’t know until when.

So, while it’s here exploit and position yourself.

On the other hand, you should remember that social networking sites were created because human beings are social in nature. With this in mind innovators created a space for us to collaborate and share ideas thus, social networking sites existed. And who demanded such place? Our leaders of tomorrow – “the digital natives“. And, what are our not-so-ancestor HR pros doing? Their trying to catch up that is why in a report recently, more and more 50-year old’s are joining Facebook. What does this mean? This means that people have realized it’s relevance and usefulness. Does it add value? Do your survey for you to find out!..

Anyway, I’ve gathered a few articles from a few thought leaders together with their ideas about social media and social recruiting. These are as follows:

• Paul Jacobs - Director of Wellington-based recruitment / social media consulting business Engage, is a co-founder of the new social recruiting platform TribeHQ, and is a founder of the online Recruitment 2.0 Asia Pacifi c community. Paul recently attended the inaugural Social Recruiting Summit at the Googleplex in the Silicon Valley, USA, where he facilitated a session on the future of job boards.

Article: “What is social recruiting?”

• Linda Coles – runs regular workshops around the country on social media tools. www.bluebanana.co.nz

Article: “Using social networking sites”

• Brent Pearson – Co-Founder of HRX. Contact: brent.pearson@hrx.com.au

Article: “Social media for recruitment”

In summary, even MNC’s who’s known to react slowly have migrated and positioned themselves for the social media revolution, how much more those small and medium size businesses? Trust me, if you’re still in doubt as to its impact to your bottom line then I’ll be certain that you’ll miss the train.

Am I telling you that “what might work for others might work for you?” Yes! And you’ve answered it!

Now, if you’re talking about control, scalability and quality of talents, then social media is for you. Try to ask your job boards provider if they can provide the demographics, trends and quality of applicants? They can’t!

Now, still stuck with your job boards and prints for advertisements in attracting applicants? You decide.