The internet-savvy HR professional is already using LinkedIn to source, attract and hire candidates for their organisations. Most people want to do it, but don\'t know how. Here I discuss why LinkedIn is such an important recruitment tool, and give you step-by-step instructions to getting started right away.

1. Using LinkedIn to source
your own candidates
Don’t underestimate the role that online social networking can play in sourcing candidates. These sites
offer effective ways for the savvy HR professional to connect with former colleagues, professionals in
their industry and most importantly, hire new talent.
LinkedIn is arguably among the most popular of these free business tools and you should be using it to
generate candidates, promote your organisation and fill your vacancies. Why?
Actively search for potential employees: use keywords, search past or present employers and read
instant recommendations for candidates;
Fill niche vacancies: use keywords to find out where your target candidates are, who they network
with and which LinkedIn groups they are networking in;
Use LinkedIn groups: to instantly connect with people who have the skills and experience you need;
Stay in touch with former, valued, trusted colleagues: hold onto these relationships as they still
could be a future employee or at least a pipeline for future recommendations;
Keep in touch with what people are up to: receive faster updates on what your connections are
doing and if they are searching for jobs.
Sign up to www.linkedin.com, the business networking website;
Build a 100% complete professional profile including an appropriate photo;
Ask current and previous colleagues for recommendations to add credibility;
Expand your network, dig out your business cards and search for colleagues past and present;
Join 3 groups – post your job for free in these groups and search for talent among the members;
Use the Advanced search button to source candidates by skills, job titles and location;
Don’t be afraid to tell people you are hiring, using the status bar to direct people to your vacancy;
Add a company profile which prospective candidates can link to and follow for updates;
Don’t wait, do this now!
Having used LinkedIn for some 4 years I am very happy to share my own experiences
E: lee.burman@purplehousehr.com T: 0117 957 4100 M: 07971 990 660