Monday, June 11, 2012

Social Media hiring -a passing fad?

I am forever on the lookout for great talent for my clients.

An incorrigible optimist, and a die hard recruiter, I think I have been amongst the early adopters of  every 'next big mousetrap' -for close to two decades now. Trying to hangout where the 'prospects' are likely to be -offline initially (you know the networking events, conferences, trade shows, company canteens,  et al ?)..and online since the past dozen odd years. And believe me- it isnt just being on the bandwagon..but trying to make things happen by constantly experimenting...

-Have been a Linkedin User since April 2004!! (Just checked -my membership number is 457254..meaning I was (am) amongst the first half million users..of a network that today boasts of 160 million professionals!).  As a person who strongly believes in the power of collaboration, you can bet -technically I have a fairly large reach if you were to reckon the network statistics upto my 3rd connections :)!!

-Have been blogging-although intermittently of late- for over 5 years now, with this blog having completed over a lakh page views last year..

- Have been fairly fast off the block -on other social networking platforms too..ryze(remember??), orkut, ning, ...and more recently facebook, twitter, googleplus..to be abreast with what's happening on those platforms too-before laziness got better of me. I guess I am guilty of using applications like tweetdeck and hootsuite to simultaneously post messages on different media..before it dawned on me that I need to be communicating differently on each of those media &!%% :)!

I must confess-  I suspect just being on these platforms doesn't guarantee any results. Or being looked at as a mere disseminator of information! It takes a lot more time -to stay tuned, with the dynamic changes the online world seems to be pacing at, and respond and review the exchanges-before one can even engage people..forget about influencing ...

So, is the ROI in social media justified..is indeed a million dollar question that I would not even wager to debate.

(I am convinced..that the cost of NOT being on social media is much higher !! )

Or is it?
By the way, I haven't renounced the traditional ways of sourcing..as a multi pronged effort only enhances the efficiency..and so will probably keep at it-not knowing what makes me more efficient :)!

Yes, I keep browsing job portals too..for reasons different. Believe me- I dont expect our target candidates to be on any jobsite-or even if she/he is- I am positive she/he would not normally be looking actively for a job -and if so..doubt if she/he will be one I wd want to depend on :)!! 


And so- these posts must be seen essentially as a part of a campaign to spread the awareness of such an opportunity -among the ecosystem -to try and increase the funnel of influence...

Am I missing the wood from the trees?? Would love your thoughts/comments/feedback!!


PS :Better still, do you think you could help me with a little experiment? Am trying to evaluate the power of the social reach...

Please visit this job posting, and help me reach out to as many folks as you are connected to...and share it on Linkedin, Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!!

Thanks! Shall keep you updated with my learnings..


Psst..want to work in a startup in the social media space?


 Here is an opportunity to be among the first few employees of a Silicon Valley based stealth mode outfit!!

The founders have been serial entrepreneurs-having built successful businesses in the past. In the USA and India. And now embarking on a product that could change the way people get their dream jobs. 

Itching to be a catalyst in the process??

Spread the word- and help yourself come closer ...to your calling :)!!


Req 1 - Senior Java Web Developer/ Team Lead:
Recruidea is a startup revolutionizing the recruiting space by blending social media in the recruiting process. We are looking to add to our team some key developers who share our passion to transform the way recruiting has traditionally been done. Apply for immediate consideration if your profile matches our requirement:
Who: Seasoned Java Web Developer with 4+ years’ experience developing web applications using Java, JavaScript.  GWT, App Engine, or EC2 is a plus.
What: Build web applications using bleeding edge technologies and as the team grows, play an active role in hiring developers, mentoring and building the team.
Where: Hyderabad, India
When: Immediate
Compensation: DOE
Why join Recruidea:   Work closely with the founding team, learn about building a successful business, and make a lasting, meaningful impact. For the right candidates, we’re open to working remotely.
To apply, email your resume to [email protected]


Req 2 - Senior Java Web Developer:
Recruidea is a startup revolutionizing the recruiting space by blending social media in the recruiting process. We are looking to add to our team some key developers who share our passion to transform the way recruiting has traditionally been done. Apply for immediate consideration if your profile matches our requirement:
Who: Experienced Java Web Developer with Masters in Computer Science with web
development project using Java, JavaScript
                                                OR
2+ years’ experience developing web applications using Java, JavaScript.
GWT, App Engine, or EC2 is a plus.


What: Build web applications using bleeding edge technologies, build a strong foundation and a scalable framework for a user-friendly application.
Where: Hyderabad, India
When: Immediate
Compensation: DOE
Why join Recruidea:   Work closely with the founding team and make a lasting, meaningful impact. For the right candidates, we’re open to working remotely.
To apply, email your resume to [email protected]


Req 3 - Junior Java Web Developer:
Recruidea is a startup revolutionizing the recruiting space by blending social media in the recruiting process. We are looking to add to our team some key developers who share our passion to transform the way recruiting has traditionally been done. Apply for immediate consideration if your profile matches our requirement:
Who: Java Web Developer with Bachelors in Computer Science with web development project
using Java, JavaScript
                                                OR
Experience developing web applications using Java, JavaScript.
GWT, App Engine, or EC2 is a plus.


What: Build web applications using bleeding edge technologies to deliver stellar user experience.
Where: Hyderabad, India
When: Immediate
Compensation: DOE
Why join Recruidea: Bleeding edge technologies, excellent team, and opportunity to learn and make an impact. For the right candidates, we’re open to working remotely.

To apply, email your resume to [email protected]