Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs. Social media is ubiquitous and has rapidly reshaped the way people connect and share information online.

1. 1-2-3: Taking the First Steps to
Using Social Media for Recruiting
Contents
Twitter 2
Facebook 6
Blogs 9
RSS Feeds 10
LinkedIn 11
Dice Talent Network 12
Social Media Terms 13

2. 1-2-3: Taking the first steps to
using social media for recruiting
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs. Friends, followers and fans. Social media is
ubiquitous and has rapidly reshaped the way people connect, communicate and
share information online.
What started as a way to make new friends and reconnect with old ones is now
an important tool for businesses that want to build their brands, gain awareness
and sell products and services. HR managers and tech recruiters are also using
social media tools to source candidates for current job openings and build a
pipeline of prospects for future hiring needs.
Top social media tools While social media tools can’t replace expertise, hard work, true recruiting
used by marketers*
know-how, and specialized job boards, they are a valuable addition to your
Twitter recruiting toolbox.
Facebook
LinkedIn
But how do you get started? With all the options and jargon, taking the first
Blogs
steps into the social media world is daunting. This white paper walks you through
the first steps in getting started with top social media tools and provides valuable
“Tips” to help you save time and be more effective.
1-2-3: Twitter
Twitter is a social networking “micro blog” that lets you share
your news and thoughts, gather information and build
connections with other people on the network. You have 140
characters in each post – or “tweet” – to let people know what you’re doing,
what you’re thinking and,
in the case of recruiting,
Twitter Pros Twitter Cons who you’re looking for.
Popular — About 125 million Time consuming — To be effective, People interested in what
registered users as of June 2010. you need to tweet regularly and you have to say will “follow”
reply to your followers. you. You can also follow
Real time — Postings arrive in other people’s tweets to
real time so you can stay up to Unfocused — People tweet about see what they’re doing
the minute on what people are anything and everything, so and build your network.
doing and saying. you have to sift through a lot of The conversation between
information. you and your followers is
Searchable — You can search cataloged in chronological
Twitter for specific people, Limited space — With only 140 timeline on your home page.
locations and topics. characters per message, you’re
very limited in what you can say.
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*
Social Media Examiner, 2010 Social Media Marketing Industry Report.

3. Step 1. Set up a Twitter account
Go to https://twitter.com and click on “Sign Up.” Follow the simple steps to create
your own user name, password and location.
Tip As a recruiter or staffing manager be sure that you select a user name,
or “handle,” that easily identifies you and isn’t too catchy.
Twitter sign up page
• After signing up, set up your account and profile.
• Click on “Settings” in the upper right corner.
• Click on “Account” in the sub-menu and complete the form.
- At the bottom of the Account page, when asked whether
you want to protect your updates, leave the box unchecked.
If you check the box, you’ll be excluded from Twitter’s public
timeline and your visibility on the site will be
lowered dramatically.
- Click “Save” to update your settings.
• Then set up your profile. Your profile gives your followers some
information about you and a link to a website so they can learn
more if they’re interested.
- Click “Profile” in the sub-menu.
- Complete the Profile form.
Twitter profile page
- Add a picture. Follow the steps to upload a photo of yourself.
- Add a link to your website, careers page or job listings for
more information.
- In the Bio section, write two short sentences about your
role as a recruiter or staffing manager. You’re limited to
160 characters so make your message concise and compelling.
Tip If you’re in HR for a company, consider adding information
about the company in the Bio section.
- Click “Save” to update your profile.
- Click “Design” from the sub-menu.
- Follow the steps to personalize your home page background.
- Click “Save Changes” to update your background.
Tip Companies often upload a custom Twitter background to provide
additional contact information to followers.
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4. Step 2. Follow, search and tweet
With your account and profile complete, it’s time to build your network
on Twitter.
• Start following. To build your network on Twitter you need to “follow” people –
in other words sign up to read their posts – and you need people to follow you.
- Start by reaching out to colleagues and people you know on Twitter already.
Search for their name using the basic “search” feature in the right-hand
column of your home page.
- If you find someone you’re interested in following, click the “Follow” button
that appears near the top of their profile page. Their tweets will appear in
your Twitter home page. They’ll likely return the favor and start following you
and your network will start to grow.
Twitter search page
Tip People following you will receive your posts on their
Twitter page and their followers will see your posts as well.
• Conduct a search
- Searching for connections on Twitter is another way to build
your following. The search functionality on the Twitter home
page is limited. Instead, visit www.search.twitter.com for a
separate search tool owned by Twitter that offers advanced
search options.
- Click on “Advanced Search” and it will take you to
Twitter advanced search page
http://search.twitter.com/advanced
- Create a search by entering keywords or phrases based on
the candidates you’re trying to hire, for example: “C++” or
“Java developer.”
- You can also search general phrases – “looking for new job”
or “job searching” – to find tweets from people in the market
for work.
- Limit your search geographically by adding a city, metro area
or zip code in the “Places” section.
- Hit “Search” and the tool will pull up all current tweets that
match your search parameters.
- Review the list and if you find someone who looks like a good
prospect, check their bio and then consider following them to
start building a relationship. Click their “Follow” button if you
like to begin following someone.
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5. • Start “tweeting” at https://twitter.com
• Tweeting updates your followers on what you’re doing, what type
of candidates you’re looking for and what’s new at your company.
- Introduce yourself to the Twitter community by typing a comment in
the “What’s happening?” box at the top of your Twitter home page.
Click the “Tweet” button to post it.
- Then continue tweeting by sharing interesting information and insight
to build the conversation between you and your followers.
- Use keywords as much as possible when using Twitter for recruiting. Your
tweets appear in Twitter’s Search Results so adding keywords – specific tech
skills, job titles or locations – makes it easier for people to connect with you.
- Try adding hashtags to your tweets. A hashtag is a word or phrase proceeded
by the # sign (i.e. #TechRecruiting) used in a tweet to group tweets on a
particular subject or event. Hashtags make it easy to search for tweets on a
topic. Create your own hashtag or use an existing one to comment on a trend
or topic being discussed on Twitter.
Tip Keep it short and interesting – a counter in the upper right corner
of the “What’s happening?” box will let you know when you’ve used
all 140 characters.
Step 3. Try other Twitter tools
Retweet — Sharing ideas, information and resources from people who follow
you is called “retweeting.” It’s a powerful, easy way to share information, give
someone kudos for a good idea and extend your network. Retweets are indicated
in the timeline with “RT.”
Direct Message — You can direct message, or “DM” a follower using the “Direct
Message” link in the right-hand column of your home page. DMs are only seen by
the recipient and aren’t cataloged in the timeline.
@YourName — When you see a message including @(YourUserName) in your
timeline that means someone wrote a message to you or referred to you in a message.
Twitter — tweeting and other tools
Tip Once you’ve connected with a prospective
candidate, DM them with info about a specific
opportunity or to arrange a call.
Tip As a recruiter, it’s important to keep up with
these mentions and reply back accordingly.
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6. 1-2-3: Facebook
Facebook is the world’s largest social networking service. It lets
friends, colleagues and family members share what’s new in
their lives via an online profile or “wall” where users post status
updates, videos, photos and more. The emphasis on Facebook is on personal
communication, but its functionality for business is growing steadily.
Instead of creating an individual profile, businesses can establish a Facebook Fan
Page that can include company updates, employment opportunities and insider
news. To build a network on Facebook, businesses invite customers and prospects
to follow them on the site.
Facebook Pros Facebook Cons
Facebook is the largest
Popular — More people use Cluttered — It’s hard to stand out in
worldwide social
networking site with Facebook than any other social the endless stream of updates.
more than 500 million networking service.
registered users.* Socially oriented — Most posts are
Flexible — You can easily update related to social interaction rather
your page with text, photos, video than professional networking.
and links.
Time consuming — For a Facebook
Customizable — You can support page to be effective, you must
your employment brand by adding commit to updating it regularly.
your logo, branding messages,
visuals and more.
Tip Facebook Profiles represent individuals and must be owned by an
individual. Facebook Pages are designed for business, organizations or
musical groups.
Facebook create a page
Step 1. Set up a Facebook account
and page
• Visit www.facebook.com.
- Click on the link in the lower-right corner
that says “Create a page for a celebrity,
band or business.”
- Complete the fields under “Create a Page.”
- Confirm that you are the official representative
for your business, and click “Create Official
Page” button.
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*
NPR.org, July 2010

7. • Set up your Facebook Page.
- Once you’ve set up your account, you’ll be taken to your Facebook
page or “wall.”
- Follow the steps to customize your page with text, photos and links.
Tip Your wall represents your company – make sure it’s
interesting, informative and supports your employment brand.
Facebook edit pages
- In the upper left-hand column you’ll see an “Edit Page” link
underneath your profile photo. Click on it to learn more about
settings and useful pre-installed applications.
Tip You can find hundreds of additional applications for your
page online. Apps are a great way to engage visitors and give
them a reason to return to your page.
• Review the account and privacy settings under the Account tab,
which appears in the right side of the main menu. Adjust them
to match your company’s social media policy.
Tip Many companies choose to show posts from themselves and their fans.
That increases activity on your wall and more importantly shows your fans
The average person
spends more than that you value what they have to say.
5 and a half hours
per month on
social media sites.*
Step 2. Friend and post
With your account and page complete, it’s time to build your network
on Facebook.
• Make friends.
- To build your Facebook network of fans, you’ll need to promote your page.
- Promote your Facebook page externally by telling your business associates,
employees, and prospective candidates to “find you on Facebook” and show
their support by becoming a fan. Include a link to your Facebook page on
emails and all marketing materials.
- Consider a Facebook ad. Learn more here.
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*
The Nielson Company

8. • Start Posting.
- Let your friends and fans know what’s going on by posting or “updating
your status” in the “What’s on your mind?” box at the top of your wall.
Your update will appear in the News Feed of everyone who is following
your company.
- Updates can be new job openings, company updates, industry insights or
interesting resources you’ve found online.
- Photos are another great way to show, rather than tell, what’s happening
at your company.
- When you’re done, be sure to hit the “Share” button.
Tip If you have a specific job to fill, make it easy for prospects to find more
information and apply directly from your fan page by providing a link to the
job in the career center or jobs section of your company website.
Step 3. Update and reply
Keep the conversation going and build your network – and pipeline of prospects –
46% of the U.S. online by regularly updating your status and replying to your fans.
adult population
reported visiting • Update your status.
Facebook in the past - Some companies update their status daily, others less frequently.
30 days.* Do what’s right – and manageable – for you as long as it’s regularly
and your posts are engaging and purposeful.
Tip Encourage interaction and create a dialogue by asking fans questions.
• Reply to postings.
- When a fan visits your page and leaves a message, it shows up in your
News Feed. Check your News Feed regularly by logging on to your Facebook
page and reviewing posts in the center of the page. Be sure to reply to
comments – whether they are positive or negative – to continue the
conversation and show that you’re listening. That responsiveness will help
grow your network over time.
One page, many voices
Companies can have one Facebook Fan Page but an unlimited number of page
administrators (found under the “Edit page” option). Administrators can add
content to the page, which adds to the volume of updates and provides different
viewpoints for your fans.
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*
InformationWeek, June 2010

9. 1-2-3: Blogs
With a blog (a common contraction of “web log”) you create
your own online journal and invite visitors to comment. Unlike a
website, a blog is a journal or log of information usually organized
topically and chronologically.
Use a company or personal blog in conjunction with other social medial outlets to
maximize your online presence, help expand your message and strengthen your
employment brand.
Blog Pros Blog Cons
Control — Choose your own Low visibility — Building a
focus and add as much content real following for your blog is
as you want. challenging.
61% of adult Americans
use social networking Personalized — A blog showcases Time consuming — To be relevant
sites today.* your personality or your company’s blogs should be updated regularly
culture. and that takes time.
Multiple voices — Several people
can contribute to a blog to share
different perspectives on your
company and employment brand.
Step 1. Find a blogspot
Your first job is to find a place to host your blog.
• Search online for blogging providers who offer pre-made blog templates.
Tip Blogger.com, Google’s blogging site, and WordPress.com are the two
largest sites. They’re both easy to use and free.
• Follow the simple online instructions to establish your blog.
• Add buttons, images, widgets and more to customize your blog.
You’ll find plenty of options online.
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*
Pew Research, May 2010

10. Step 2. Start blogging
• Start adding entries to your blog about your company, available jobs, types of
candidates you’re searching for and industry news.
Tip Post several blog entries before you promote your blog so visitors
will have more than one post to read.
Step 3. Spread the word
• Build traffic to your blog by promoting it on your other social media outlets
and marketing materials.
1-2-3: RSS feeds
RSS, or “really simple syndication,” is a technology that saves you
time by delivering relevant and updated information from your
favorite media outlets directly to your inbox. You subscribe to RSS
on the sites you visit most and view the updates using a free online RSS reader
RSS Pros RSS Cons
Time savings — RSS does the Information overload — If you
searching so you don’t have to. subscribe to several – or several
dozen – RSS feeds, you may feel
Convenient — Updated information overwhelmed with the amount of
from your favorite sites is information presented to you.
consolidated in one place.
Not candidate focused — RSS
feeds are good for culling industry
information but aren’t effective for
sourcing candidates.
Google reader
Step 1. Find a Reader
To receive RSS feeds you need an RSS Reader.
• A quick online search for “RSS Readers” will
yield many options.
Tip Google Reader is a good, free RSS Reader.
• Follow the simple instructions to create an
account with your chosen RSS Reader.
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11. Step 2. Subscribe to feeds
• Subscribe to feeds from your favorite websites. Just look for a button on
the site that includes: RSS, XML or Subscribe. Or, check the right-hand side
of the URL address bar for an orange or blue RSS button. Click on the icon and
follow the prompts.
Step 3. Start reading
• Your RSS Reader will start delivering updated content regularly. Check your
reader site for tools that make it easier to read and organize all of your RSS feeds.
1-2-3: LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an online network site designed to keep you connected
with colleagues and classmates. The site is based on individual
profiles that include resumes, links and more. LinkedIn lets you
connect with people you know through direct invitations and then link to a wider
network through those connections and referrals. You can also join industry
groups to discuss common interests and share ideas.
LinkedIn Pros LinkedIn Cons
Professional — LinkedIn is Too general — Since LinkedIn is
targeted towards professionals, open to all professions, it’s hard
not companies, so it’s a good way to find niche candidates like tech
to connect with colleagues. professionals.
Inefficient — You need to invest a
lot of time building your network to
achieve the best results.
Few candidates open to
your recruiting — While you may
find passive candidates, they aren’t
typically looking for jobs. Passive
candidates on specialized job boards
are open to job opportunities.
LinkedIn home page
Step 1. Set up a LinkedIn account
• Visit LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com
- Follow the simple steps to create a
LinkedIn account.
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12. Step 2. Create your profile
• Follow the prompts to build your profile. You can upload a photo, add
information about your background and employment, include links and more.
Step 3. Make connections
• Once your profile is complete you use the tools under the “Contact” tab
to build connections.
The bottom line on social media If you’ve decided to add social
A Facebook page with media to your mix, make sure your goals are clear and you’ve allocated
a million fans is said to enough resources – time and talent – to make it worthwhile. Most of the
be worth $3.6 million social networking tools we’ve talked about in this white paper are free but
or $3.60 per fan.*
it takes substantial time and effort to get results using them.
A powerful combination –
job boards and social media
Now job boards are getting into the social media mix
combining extensive candidate databases with the community aspects
of social networks to give users the most powerful, informative way to search for
candidates yet.
One of the first to play is Dice. The Dice Talent Network combines networking,
social media integration and branding in one tool. It offers the highly efficient
features of a specialized job board with all the popular aspects of social
networking for an efficient, effective way to connect with and hire high-quality
tech candidates on Dice.
The Dice Talent Network combines…
The best of specialized job boards: And the best of social networks…
• Job postings • Personal/corporate branding
• Resume database search • One-to-one networking
• Active and passive candidates • Robust company and
open to hearing from you personal profiles
• Niche focus and specialization • Messaging and chat
• Measurable ROI • Relationship building
• Shared ideas
See how the Dice Talent Network operates in this overview video and
detailed demo. If you’d like to learn more, contact Dice at 1.800.979.DICE(3423).
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*
Virtue

13. Social media terms to know
Avatar — Graphical images, usually visual character,
representing a person.
Blogs — A website containing chronological information
which is self-published by individuals.
Direct Message — “DM” on Twitter, a message sent directly
between two people on Twitter.
Handle — A user name that identifies you on Twitter.
Hashtag — A word or phrase proceeded by the # sign – #TechRecruiting –
used in a tweet to group tweets on a particular subject or event.
News Feed — The continuously updated log of comments
on a Facebook page.
Newsreader — A website or desktop tool that gathers updated
content from your favorite websites and blogs and organizes them
in one application.
Peer-to-Peer — Refers to direct interaction between two people
in a network.
Retweet — “RT” on Twitter, to share a tweet posted by someone else.
RSS — “Really simple syndication,” a technology that saves time
by delivering relevant and updated information from media outlets
directly to your inbox.
Tweet — A short 140-character comment posted on Twitter.
Widgets — A small, stand-alone program that can be embedded
in other applications, like a website, blog or desktop.
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