‘LinkedIn opens its platform’, what does it mean for recruiters

Posted on | November 24, 2009 | 2 Comments

The software development industry has been going on (see here and here) about how LinkedIn has just opened it’s platform via an API (Application Programming Interface). Companies can now build Twitter like applications for LinkedIn. This implies companies now have access to:

• Candidate Profiles including either the public view or the more detailed view the user may be allowed to see.
• Contants/ connections a list of team or candidate’s contacts
• Status the Twitter-esque message users update. You can set, clear and retrieve a user’s status.
• Search for candidates on LinkedIn with a number of parameters, including name, company and title.
• Invitations can be sent to the user to become friends

The Advantages

Companies can now totally regain control of sourcing candidates whilst using LinkedIn. Software applications can be built to put the entire recruitment process behind firewalls or via a single application. Think of this like having the control of paper CVs with the dynamism of LinkedIn. Below, I have listed five advantages of using LinkedIn Applications:

Manage the recruitment process

For many recruitment organisations, using LinkedIn implied allowing agents to build their own database which they didn’t have access to after they left. Now using the LinkedIn API, organisations can build their own applications and have full control of the recruitment process.

Improve recruitment experience

Managing the recruitment process comes with added benefits. With the tools provided in the API, you can recreate the LinkedIn functionality completely. Making it simpler and more sophisticated for top executives to use the tool.

Build a true database

Companies can also build a database of candidates from LinkedIn and keep increasing the value of the company. This could replace previous databases which can be outdated compared to LinkedIn’s dynamic CV.

Increase flexibility

Companies can now regain the recruitment process completely. For bigger organisations all LinkedIn applications can be put behind the firewall, where consultants can work with candidates via there LinkedIn Profile. Right from looking for companies finding candidates to relevant candidates, electronic communication can now be done via this application.

Build Intellectual Property

More and more traditional businesses are now transforming to technology businesses or going online. A good example is the publication industry, who are slowly but surely making platforms an important aspect of their offering. Building a bespoke application, whatever takes your fancy, can mean owning not only a database of candidates but a more accessible and usable technology.

Want to learn more, get in touch: +44 (0) 1273 251414 | email me <at> rajanand.biz | skype rajanand12 | twitter rajanand | Join LinkedIn group: Social Media in Recruitment

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