So everyone knows that social networking is all the rage and that we should be using this "tool" to find better talent for our organizations. But, which social network is right for referral recruiting at your company?

First I thought we should all use the big dogs, the Facebooks and Myspaces, because all the cool kids are doing it. But then I realized that these may be too big and too general and too social. Yea, there are some great ways to use the big social networks for recruiting, but I think there may be a more targeted approach.

Find out what social networks your current employees are using and target them. This strategy, lets call it 'targeted social network recruiting' is similar to how you probably target certain universities when seeking certain candidates.

I suggest using a poll or survey service, try www.surveymonkey.com its free, and list a bunch of social networks to see which ones your current employees are using.

Below is a list of some specific social networks that can get you started:

• www.Yellojobs.com - Referral recruitment network
• www.lawlink.com – Online network for attorneys
• www.beaker.com – Online community for Life Sciences
• www.85broads.com – Ultimate career connection for Women
• www.inman.com – Real estate social community

Or, if you can’t find what you are looking for, go and create a network or group of your own on one of the following:

• www.ning.com – Create your own social network for anything
• www.meetup.com – Find and meet people with the same interests
• www.gather.com – Publish content and connect with others


In the end, to get the best quality referrals from your current employees and interact with potential future employees, you will have to engage them where they live online.