As all recruiters know, there are periods of time when finding quality candidates can be extremely difficult. Responses to job postings run dry, job fairs are empty, and many messages are left unreturned. In order to source new candidates, recruiters need to think outside of the box and at times step out of their comfort zone, and utilizing social media is a great start. In the New Hampshire office, we have recently had great success with a candidate who we discovered through Facebook. Mark Laycox, a local machine operator, was recently let go due to unforeseen circumstances and ended up losing his home a few weeks after Christmas, immediately following the birth of his daughter. He was taken in by a family who shared his story on Facebook in order to help Mark find a new home and a new job. I saw this as a wonderful opportunity to not only get Micro Tech’s name out there, but to take a chance and meet a new candidate. In the end, we placed Mark in a great, local company where he is very happy and working hard. He is thankful for the opportunity and is sharing the word with friends. Although this is only one example of how to use social media for recruiting, the experience of meeting Mark and helping him find work has lead to the opportunity for referrals. Micro Tech’s name has now been mentioned numerous times on the Facebook page where Mark was discovered, and recruiters from New Hampshire have received praise and great reviews as well. If you take advantage of your resources and try new outlets, you will always find an opportunity to be a skillful recruiter. Jena Focht - Recruiter (NH)