With the introduction of various software platforms like Monster's Beknown and thesocialcv.com it is becoming easier for recruiters and employers to use social media to dig deeper into the background of their potential candidates. With the exception of LinkedIn, it raises questions around the relevance of the information unearthed on the likes of Facebook and the influence it could have.

Whilst a Facebook or Twitter profile will give you insight into someone's personal life, its relevance to their ability to do a job is questionable. Regardless of what they got up to on Saturday night, as long as they are back in work operating professionally on Monday morning, does it matter?

The answer to this question has further implications to the use of Facebook or Twitter as a recruitment tool. It is becoming a more mainstream candidate attraction mechanism, but if candidates are concerned about their profile causing potential employers to view them in an unflattering light, won't this put them off linking with them as part of the recruitment process?

So, as an employer, the question is where social media sits in the candidate attraction media mix and they have to decide a) is it right for us and b) is it right for the audience we're trying to attract? Are you prepared to respect the ethical boundaries of social media channels when you're asking candidates to open themselves up to you on the same forum? Social media is a two way street and if you're inviting conversation with potential recruits you also need to reassure them that you will respect their privacy.

And if you're a candidate, are you prepared to apply for a role that's advertised on Facebook or Twitter without first sanitising your profile? Or are you prepared to let your future employer know the real you?

As candidate or employer you need to be true to yourself. If you're a company that wants your recruits to enjoy nothing more than a night in front of the TV, perhaps a quirky social media campaign is not for you. And if you're a candidate who enjoys a tad more exhilaration in your social life, be prepared for it to bite you on the proverbial when applying for a role at a more conservative company!

www.featherbrooksbankrecruitment.co.uk