Recently, I attended a webinar with @JennyDeVaughn.  In this session we learned how to identify and recruit talent using Facebook.  At first, I bit my lip, worried that recruiters and employers might scouring my facebook page seeking information about me and my life-long friends.  I mean really, do they care about what I ate for dinner, or seeing my dogs dressed in the latest couture?  Well the answer is maybe. Employers and recruiters are looking for you, and will use facebook, twitter, myspace, and linkedin to learn more about you both personally and professionally.  That is why managing your image is so very important if you are a jobseeker.

Ever since this webinar, I cleaned up my facebook page, tightened up my security and privacy settings in such a way that only certain people were able to see certain posts, and photographs. Now, I select which groups can see certain status updates.  I’ve carefully segmented each of my friends into  groups. Everyone should keep in mind that what you say on facebook does not stay on facebook.

Employers and recruiters are using facebook more and more to source and recruit talented people.  This is the good news. So, now you have the opportunity to make facebook work for you. Make sure that your facebook settings are adjusted so that recruiters can find you without finding superfluous personal information.  My Mother used to say, don’t put anything in writing that you wouldn’t want to read the next day on the front page of the newspaper.  Facebook is the new “front page.”  From a recruiting standpoint, facebook is a great resource.  I was interested in this webinar because I want to learn more about how recruiters are using social media to source and recruit talent.

The first thing Jenny discussed was the importance of establishing a goal.  Facebook can be a time waster unless you’re really focused.

According to Jenny, “74% of internet users have a positive impression of companies who use new media to communicate with them.”  Facebook Advanced Search 2.0 App is a useful tool for recruiters to use to hone their target market.  DeVaughn also said that facebook advertising works, so don’t be afraid to use it.  In addition to advertising your website or event, you can track the impact of your advertising, learn more about who’s clicking on your ad, and make modifications to maximize your results.

Facebook groups and fan pages savvy tools to attract candidates.  In groups you can have relevant and timely discussions, and they are more social, and non-commercial.  Fan pages are great because you can use a customized URL, add extra applications, widgets, and track visitor statistics.  Another great tool is http://linkup.com. This site is a must for jobseekers and recruiters alike.  Another site I love is http://indeed.com.

Jenny DeVaughn’s webinar was a real eye opener.  While I can’t share all the details she shared. I can put you in touch with her http://socialprecision.com.

Jenny DeVaughn is a kick-ass social media consultant, and if you ever get a chance to study with her, consider yourself lucky.  She is a very nice, and is generous with her time. I highly recommend her to any recruiter or client.

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