Should recruiters be using Google+? – notes from the #rechangout

This week we had Andy Headworth joining us for the #rechangout. Despite being in agony with a prolapsed disc Andy was a complete professional as usual and shared an hour of insight into the subject of Google+.  As is our format Alan Whitford asked the questions and Louis Welcomme joined in with his own thoughts and questions.

I have pulled together some supporting materials for anyone wondering why and how can Google+ can be used by recruiters and Andy has written a blog post entitled 10 Ways To Use Google Plus For Recruitment In 2014 which summarises much of what he spoke about.  However, you really should watch the video from the hangout too!

• Jorgen Sunberg has published an infographic suggesting 20 reasons recruiters might like to switch to Google+ http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/infographic-why-recruiters-should-start-using-google-plus/
• Andy referenced this in the hangout; Dustin Stout explaining the anatomy of a perfectly crafted Google+ post: http://dustn.tv/perfect-post
• On the ERE.net site Why Google+ Is the Recruiter’s Hidden Advantage by Erin Bazinet: http://www.ere.net/2013/12/17/why-google-is-the-recruiters-hidden-advantage
• It came up as a question on the hangout; “How to Search for Tech Talent on Google+”: http://www.thearmadagroup.com/recruiting/how-to-search-for-tech-talent-on-google
• From Jessica Miller-Merrell – Recruiting on Google+: http://www.smartrecruiters.com/blog/erecruiting-recruiting-on-google-google-plus/
• Whilst we were on the hangout other users made comments and suggestions on the Google+ events page which are worth checking out https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/c562104uv15v0iccmes6i42ek18

Andy gave a nice little overview of where to start with Google+ and it is really simple:

• Go to google+ and follow the sign up instructions.
• Focus on your profile so you can be found. Use a professional picture and if you have a good LI profile cut and paste it into the various sections on google + to start. Add links to all your other social network profiles and whatever personal details you want people to see.
• Find people. Do searches for the sectors/people you are interested in, create a couple of circles and add people to them to it. You’ll then see what they are talking about and how they are sharing content. Maybe share some of the content you’ve been sharing on LI, Twitter, etc.
• Encourage people to connect with you (use the ‘badges’).

That’s it – you’re in!

In closing Alan asked Andy to list his five tips:

• Google+ is not the enemy
• It’s really easy to get started
• There are a LOT of potential candidates on Google+
• It’s very much a content and engagement platform
• From a branding point of view make it personal.

The next show is on the 29th January and features Neville Gaunt talking about understanding the value in behavioural profiling. (you can sign up here)