Social media recruiting is free

As we enter the new year, recruiting budgets are sure to be under pressure. At a local SHRM event last night many in the room were pessimistic at best. So if you are a major job board or an expensive ATS your sales are sure to remain flat or down.

We think 2009 will be the year that Recruiters will start adopting social media as a main part of their recruiting strategy. The economy will force the issue by making companies become more efficient and cost-effective. That means utilizing social media, much of which is free to recruit talent.

Think about it.

• The cost to create a recruiting blog is zero dollars.
• The cost to twitter your jobs is zero dollars.
• The cost to create a facebook group is zero dollars.
• Heck you can even create your own social network dedicated to your company for zero dollars.

The only real cost involved is your team’s time and energy.

What company can’t afford that?

The return on your investment is priceless. As long as you stick it out. As long as you dedicate the required time and energy into these new tools, your employer will reap the rewards.

Social media isn’t going away folks. Its here and its entrenched into the minds of the next generation workforce. This is where you have to be to recruit them. And remember its not about sales pitches. Its about a two-way dialogue about your company, its culture and what you have to offer. Get real and the candidates will come.

See you in 2009.