Food Job Blog: The inside track on Food Recruitment and Careers

Since its launched in 2003 LinkedIn has become much more than just a means of keeping in touch with previous colleagues, business partners etc. Three years ago when I set up my profile on the business oriented social media site a majority of members within the food industry were commercial professionals, however with a new member joining every second it's no surprise that profiles for individuals from all disciplines within manufacturing can now be found too. This is great for recruiters who can identify people who are not actively in the employment marketplace but as more and more internal HR resourcing teams start to use LinkedIn as a way to identify potential employees, could LinkedIn become the preferred recruitment method?

There is no denying that there are quite a few recruitment success stories as a result of the site, however, a LinkedIn profile cannot manage the process, brief clients in regards to candidates, and prepare candidates about businesses, their strategy and people. It can't match personality and business cultures, nor can it negotiate or debate on a client or candidate's behalf, marrying and challenging expectations.

Given my profession I think you know what my thoughts are but what are your views on the future of LinkedIn verses Recruitment Consultants?