Web 2.0 to become primary recruitment tool

16/06/2008

Social networking and Web 2.0 technologies will soon become key in the recruitment process, according to the Chartered Institute of Personal Development's (CIPD) Deborah Fernon.

Ms Fernon believes more and more employers could soon be using social networking and other Web 2.0 technology such as blogs and wikis to search for the best talent, while potential employees can gain an insider's perspective on the company.


"Through the richness of multimedia and connectivity, Web 2.0 technology provides an opportunity to bring the employer brand to life and create experiences online that allow potential employees to experience what it is like to work within the organisation," she said.

Although only around 20 per cent of companies are using Web 2.0 for recruitment at present, Ms Fernon believes the trend could change.

A recent CIPD survey found that 56 per cent of its members considered social networking as a useful tool for engaging with potential recruits while 52 per cent said they also like to use such websites to discover how potential employees perceive their brand.