From the title, you may think this is a blog about blogs. The Wikipedia reference for self-referential says it occurs in literature when “an author refers to his work in the context of the work itself”. However, many blog authors reveal the quality of their professional work and discuss innovative ideas in the context of their corporate or personal blogs, much like authors of books or print articles.

The two-part article Using Writing and Speaking to Recruit Candidates says this about sourcing candidates using the written word:

“When you write an article, a blog, or a book, you attract people who like your message and appreciate your expertise.”

The Wall Street Journal published How Blogs Are Changing the Recruiting Landscape outlining the potential benefits of scouring professional blogs and recruiting passive candidates.

You can learn more about a person by experiencing their online professional identity than by Googling them or searching for their MySpace page. Plus making the recruiting contact is only a click away.

Blogger Seth Godin makes a similar point in his Why bother having a resume? post. He suggests that rather than use a resume, you could be recruited based on factors that include:

“…a blog that is so compelling and insightful that they have no choice but to follow up?”

Also take a look at his endorsement of a talent strategy in Marketing HR where he says:

“Great companies want and need talent, but they have to work for it.”