I commented on twitter this week about how I love LinkedIn‘s transparent way of telling the whole world, including your current employer, that you are looking for a job.

I love the way LinkedIn makes it obvious that people are interviewing…”XX is now connected to MD/HR director at 5 rival firms”

This started a few chats off, in particular one with Rich Millington about how you can use LinkedIn as a really low cost recruitment tool.

1. Step one link to everyone you know, have worked with and respect in the industry – build your network properly and it will benefit you both to source future opps yourself and to hire people along the way

2. Join relevant industry groups

3. Consistently look in the network news section for people that recently befriend three or four HR types at other agencies or a group of people from an agency they don’t work for and check out their creds (on LinkedIn and elsewhere on the web / WOM)

4. Compile shortlist

5. Call them

Bob’s your Ma’s bro.