Although research found that more than two-thirds of HR professionals said their organization did not allow access to social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn, social network usage is a reality – especially for the powerful combination of Social Networks and Talent Acquisition.

Facebook claims more than 67 million active users, and is the sixth-most trafficked site in the United States, according to comScore. LinkedIn’s online network has more than 19 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries.

Computerworld sponsored a shoot-out of sorts called Facebook vs. LinkedIn: Which is better for business? to see which social networking or social utility fit more easily into the workplace. The first three scenarios they tested focused on hiring:

1. Look for a job without your boss knowing
2. Find information about a job you're interviewing for
3. Find a contract worker for a three-month Web project

Recruiters are using a variety of social networks to connect with active and passive candidates. How do you make the automated connection? Integration with recruiting systems provides direct access to LinkedIn user profiles and personalized relationship information throughout its global network.

Smart sourcing techniques tap directly into this popular social utility with job postings on Facebook. Either way, you’ll gain access to a larger pool of talent including the Net Generation.