Recruiting is Blogging's Killer App

Says Famous Man

"I am becoming convinced that recruiting may be one of blogging's 'killer apps'. A recruiting blog is superior to a Help Wanted ad in so many ways." (Shel Israel)

Shel says recruiting blogs do three things.

1. Add a Human Face
He singles out the Ma'am who informs potential candidates about her insomnia, exercise program, favourite peanut butter and penchant for smelling snow.

2. Promote Word of Mouth Advertising
An interesting blog gets readers who will tell friends about new jobs.

3. Allow Companies To Self-Display
They let a company show off its workspace, workers, neighborhood etc

Two Kinds of Recruiting Blogs

For visitors who have never read a recruiting blog, there are two kinds.

1. A blog for Recruiting. A company recruiting blog that aims building relationships with potential hires.

2. A blog for Recruiters. A blog like the Recruiting Animal which is about recruiting and is aimed at recruiters and job-hunters.

We had a little discussion about this on Recruiting.com when the Ma'am said that she wasn't writing a recruiting blog (like number 2), she was writing a recruiting blog (like number 1).

The Future of Recruiting Blogs: Dim

Microsoft is definitely the front-runner in corporate recruiting blogs. As they seem to be in employee blogging, generally.

Many other companies are worried that bloggers will reveal important secrets. And, besides that, regular blogging is a lot of work, so I don't think many companies will use them.

And, there will be an attempt among those that do use blogs, to turn them into bland corporate vehicles uninformed by any lively personalities.

When I try to think of corporate recruiting blogs besides MS's, I only come up with Impinj and the now-defunct, Cal National, both of which, I believe were built with the assistance of Jay-Dee.

If you look at my blogroll in the left sidebar, you'll see a number of Internal blogs. These are written by corporate recruiters but I would say that they are written for a recruiting audience more than potential candidates.

The Marketing Headhunter, is an external (third party) recruiter who writes entries which are directed at his potential recruits.

Hat Tip: peter dawson who directs us, as well, to a new blog by Orli Yakuel (pictured above). Shel says he likes it too.

Canadian Headhunter