My Latest Thoughts on Facebook

I'm still fairly new to this Facebook business (although I do have 22 "friends"). 

My network is a mix of real life mates, business associates I think of as friends and business acquaintances.  I've also had requests to be "friends" with people I have never even heard of (which are currently in my "pending" folder).  As I mentioned in a previous blog post I was feeling unsure how to cope with the work/personal side of it.  I fear I may have conducted a social networking sin by creating a "limited profile" which I use for business acquaintances.  Everyone can see my basic information, my friends network and the groups I am part of it.  However, my wall (like a noticeboard) and any photos or video's that people add of me are kept private.  I don't think there are any dodgy photos out there of me dressed as a nun but I don't want to take that risk.

I see some people's profiles and I think perhaps they ought to consider keeping a little of themselves back.  I'm wondering if in a couple of years (or maybe sooner) there will be an anti-Facebook movement where people reconsider their usage of the site and perhaps curtail the amount of personal information they share.  Especially around the issue of recruitment. 

The good things about Facebook (and possibly MySpace - I just don't have time to look at that!):

• Search for potential candidates (or clients) by joining a relevant group and see who the members are.  For example Sarah Stimson has set up the group "PR Job Watch" where all recruiters (including their competition) can post jobs.  It's raised the profile of Sarah's company as they are seen as innovators and it's working for them as a direct recruitment tool (when I last spoke to her she'd had a £70k candidate who applied via the group going for interview with a client). It also allows Sarah to expand her network.
• Increase the profile of your product.  I see that Jobtonic have created a Facebook application called "refer-o-matic" that allows users of the site to view vacancies selected intelligently based on profile criteria.  Stephen talks about it here.
• It can re-ignite past relationships.  Candidates you may have placed previously may spot you and become a placement for a second time.  Clients may be browsing and spot your name (more likely if you have an uncommon name) or it could just put you back in touch with real-life friends.  Mind you there is also a negative here.  My Facebook-expert friend told me last night how a very scary ex has just got back in touch with him via Facebook.  The last thing he wants to do is get her back in his life and in contact with his current group of friends.

The bad things about Facebook

• It has the potential to waste hours of your time.  You could spend all day searching for old friends, potential new friends, interesting groups, etc.  Once you start writing on "walls" you lose hours at a time.
• You can find out too much information about someone.  Do you really want to know that your best client is a member of the "Bring Home the Gnome!" group or that the candidate you are meeting tomorrow morning is planning to get "bladdered with me mates tonight"?
• Mistaken identity.  When searching for Tim Elkington on Facebook I can came across two matches.  The other Tim is someone who likes to lick walls  You want to be careful that you've got the right person before you start making assumptions about them!

Anyway, I'm popping over the "for Facebook" side of the fence... for now.

Have you taken part in the UK Recruiter Community Survey 2007 yet?

Comments

[Sarah Stimson]

Louise, I thought you'd like to know we've now placed the £70k candidate who approached us through our Facebook group!

[Louise Triance]

Sarah, congratulations. In the past week I've spoken with quite a few search consutants who are interested in using Facebook. This bit of news will no doubt be an added incentive to get in there!