This collegejournal article says that employers are dsicivering the benefits of Facebook recruiting.

"Ernst & Young ...launched a page on Facebook with information and discussion boards aimed at college students; the company paid an undisclosed fee. Employers seek "new ways to reach out to the college audience," says Dan Black, director of campus recruiting for the Americas at Ernst & Young.

The approach poses risks as well as rewards. Companies that solicit public feedback are likely to get negative as well as positive comments. The sites can also connect detractors who otherwise wouldn't have met. What's more, employers must continually update their sites to attract visitors.

Still, recruiting consultants and a growing number of employers think the advantages outweigh the risks.

"It's a very good thing for communicating with potential job seekers," says Mark Mehler, a co-founder of CareerXroads, a consulting firm that advises on staffing strategies. "You're reaching the student in their lair."

Organic, a marketing agency that is a unit of New York's Omnicom Group Inc., created a MySpace page a few months ago to help former employees keep in touch with each other and the company, with the hope that some may return or refer acquaintances. The agency specializes in Internet marketing.

Organic also launched two blogs aimed partly at recruiting. Tracy Coté, who heads recruiting, says the blogs draw potential candidates to the company. They also allow recruiters to contact users who post comments and may be interested in working at Organic."

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Labels: Employer Branding, Industry News