BraveNewTalent.com

I have come across BraveNewTalent.com today. The site is an interesting new blimp on the Social Networking sphere, connecting job seekers directly with employers. Think, LinkedIn although more focused.

Users can create a profile and then follow employers of choice which then allows users to follow bites of information that the employers choose to deliver via the network.
BraveNewTalent.com seems to be a valuable tool by allowing potential recruits to research and gain insight in to employers of choice. To date, they have 685 business’s online ready for you to follow. Notable names include Google, Microsoft, Unilever, PricewaterhouseCoopers and many more.

Interviews with potential employers can be a daunting task for some. In such cases, information is power. Offering ‘candidates’ the opportunity to research employer insight, values, current news, projects and so forth – generally paves the way to a positive and successful interview. Yes – this insight can usually be gained through company websites, although company websites are usually slanted toward clients and not so much toward potential employee empowerment.

BraveNewTalent.com definitely provides this aspect – assuming the employers and business they profile are compliant in keeping the relevant information fresh.
While I am all for social networking and value it as a real way forward in the Recruitment industry, I can’t help but disagree with some of their statements:

“Our approach is simple. We think the recruitment process is outdated. Candidates and employers are too often relying upon methods which have not taken advantage of the social networking revolution. Members of Generation Y are used to having instant access to information, and being as well informed as can be when making a decision. At BraveNewTalent.com, we think it should be the same when job-hunting.”

The recruitment process is outdated? Really? Since when? It’s still a booming industry with new key players arising every day. Large, medium and small organisations still value the process and still retain trusted Recruitment agencies for their expertise.

While BraveNewTalent.com is clear in offering their focus on the needs for Gen Y, this is definitely a ‘brave’ statement.

We can’t lose sight of the fact that Social Networking will never be successful in replacing the principles of face to face networking. Social Networking will never replace, but can compliment face to face networking.

Here at Cyber Placements we bridge traditional recruitment (networking) principles with new trends. We utilise Social Networking to add value to our relationships with our clients and candidates. Although, we have done the ground work. Our relationships are in place. They have been developed with care and devotion, and traditional networking values.

As far as I can see from BraveNewTalent.com, Gen Y would not appreciate our values. Which, again, is a ‘Brave’ approach to take.

The site is an interesting concept that adds value to a keen professional who is keen to present themselves in the best light. At the end of the day - Recruitment requires expertise, insight, knowledge and a tuned approach. I don’t feel it is something than can be overrun by Social Networking alone.