Social networking sites have changed the way humans communicate in the 21^st century.  Websites such as Linked In, Facebook and Friendster have proven that people all across the globe are connected in one way or another.

If your company has not tapped into the social networking sites for talent, you may need to consider utilizing this newly found marketing tool.  On sites such as these, you showcase your organization by posting your company profile for free.

Interestingly, the question we face as recruiters is, “Will social networking replace executive search firms in recruiting today’s top talent?” Some are saying, yes.  But most sales and management professionals believe that true recruiting will never become extinct.

The dictionary defines recruiting as, “to engage in finding and attracting employees, new members, students, athletes, etc.” The verbs “find and attract” are important to note in this definition.  Social networking sites are passive in nature, making it difficult to attract talent.  These sites also do not allow a conduit for meaningful communication between the parties.  These sites are primarily utilized for personal interactions between friends.  Most sites do not display contact information; thus making it difficult for employers to contact potential candidates easily.  As a company HR professional, when you contact a candidate through the use of a social networking site, you may be displaying a certain unintended level of interest in this person.  Additionally, this unsolicited contact may not always be welcomed and could potentially set up some unfounded expectations of potential future employment to that party.

There is no doubt about it, recruiting in the 21^st Century must definitely incorporate social networking.  But, using a recruiting firm who utilizes social networking skills in their daily practice could prove to be more time consuming and more valuable to your organization than going it alone.  Although these resources are available, partnering with a quality search firm that understands your industry and networks with the type of candidates you seek may be your best avenue in utilizing your diminished HR resources.

If your company is thinking of using social networking as your primary recruitment tool, remember that recruiters are experts in performing research, finding candidates and knowing how to attract top talent.  The value of using an executive search firm is more than just filling that one open position.  The value is in finding a hiring partner that will continually seek top talent to assist you in meeting your corporate goals.