How to Use Facebook for Your Job Search

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• June 13, 2011
• By Tony Morrison
• 16 Comments

Although Facebook is home to the largest network of people across the world (more than 500 million), many people don’t associate the site with their job search or career because of its more personal networking nature.

However, ignoring Facebook as a job search tool is a huge mistake because of the vast number of users who regularly peruse the site. More than 50 percent of active users log in to their accounts on any given day, according to statistics from Facebook. Users are constantly interacting with friends, checking fan pages and creating new content. This is a prime opportunity to interact with people in your network who would be willing to help you land a job if they knew you were looking.

Here are a few ways you can use Facebook to help you succeed in your job search:

Share updates through your status

Tell your network how your job search is going. Talk about the companies that interest you and why you’re thinking of applying. Chances are, someone you know knows someone at one of those places where you would like to work—and it’s possible they’ll help you out by sharing your name and interest or introducing you to a contact of theirs.

Start a dedicated professional page

If your personal profile is strictly for friend’s eyes only, consider creating your own page to display only professional information. This way, you can still write status updates and connect with specific individuals, but you don’t need to worry about cleaning up your profile or mixing your personal and professional life.

Join groups and pages pertaining to your industry and interests

Niche groups and communities are a prime way to grow your network and increase your visibility. Search for keywords in Facebook’s search bar to find relevant groups and pages. Look for the Facebook icon on your favorite blogs, websites and online communities to connect with them on Facebook.

Search Facebook Marketplace for available opportunities

The Marketplace is one of the most underutilized tools on Facebook. With a specific job section, it’s a prime way to search local opportunities and connect directly with the hiring manager or recruiter who posted the ad. You can also see how you’re connected to that person and identify mutual friends.

Create a highly targeted ad

There’s a reason so many companies choose to advertise on Facebook — the ads are inexpensive and allow for segmentation of the audience, resulting in more effective advertising to the right people. And job seekers have seen the potential of advertising themselves to potential employers, too. Remember copywriter Alec Brownstein’s Google AdWords campaign where he purchased several creative directors’ names in Google? You probably heard that it ultimately landed him two job offers, one of which he took.

Display employment information on your profile

How will those old acquaintances know the industry in which you work if you don’t share it with them? Adding employment info to your profile helps your network get to know more about your experience and expertise. It also makes a positive impression on employers if they search for you and see your professional information come up.

Seek out helpful job search applications

Many major job boards and aggregators offer apps to help you search directly from Facebook. Other applications allow you to display additional information on your profile, such as a resume/CV, presentations, etc.

How else can you use Facebook in your job search?

Tony Morrison is the vice president at Cachinko, a professional community where social networking and job opportunities come together.  Find him on Twitter or visit Cachinko’s Facebook page.

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