How relevant is Facebook information in the recruiting process?

Recruiters and HR specialists have long used Facebook as a source of information about potential candidates.  A few HR specialists that I’ve spoken to do check Facebook pages of potential hires, but are quick to admit that they use the information to a lesser and lesser extent.  Can we really believe that someone who likes to get drunk during University parties would make a poor hiring candidate?  Does the fact that a person has 1000 Facebook friends mean that they have people skills or relationship building skills?

A new website called “Identified” was launched Thursday.  This site rates the workplace value of 50 million professionals worldwide for potential employers.  Is there true value in this information or will recruiters begin to depend on the wrong inferences and miss out on some great candidates?   Does a Facebook page tell us about the character of a person?  Does your Facebook page and information provide an honest reflection of who you are at work?

For more about Indentified see an article in the Toronto Star – November 10, 2011 http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1084260--how-to-rank-the-market-attractiveness-of-professionals