Are you actively using Facebook for your job search? There are some great reasons to use it, truly, Facebook may be your ticket to a new job!
Facebook has more users in the U.S. than any other social network. And that number continues to grow. Are you one of them?
I know people have different reasons for being on Facebook and have different philosophies of who they connect with on Facebook. But…there’s some data I think might convince you to expand how you think about how you use it.
78% of people surveyed credited Facebook with landing their job!
This comes from a Jobvite survey.
Stop fighting it. Leverage Facebook!
How many people are you friends with on Facebook? Right now, go check out that number.
My count is over 300 and I believe that’s pretty small in comparison to some. Do you have more friends on Facebook than you do LinkedIn? It’s my sense you are friends with people on Facebook and those friends are different than the people you are connected to on LinkedIn. That means this is a different audience to share your request for help.
Let’s see how you can better use Facebook!
Actions To Take On Facebook For Job Search
- Make sure you have completed the Work and Experience sections of your profile on Facebook.
This will allow past coworkers to find you or even recruiters looking for people with a specific work background.
- Use strong key words in describing what you did in each job.
Key words improve your likelihood of being found when people search and when they look at your profile.
- Update your status regularly with interesting links to work-related posts, job search activities, etc.
This will show in your friends stream and will remind them (or perhaps indicate for the first time) what you do professionally and that you are seeking employment.
- “Like” events you are attending, etc.
2 reasons. First it pings your friends and second, it may help other people hear of events/happening they may be interested in as well!
Pushing Beyond Your Comfort Zone
- “Like” company pages you are interested in working for.
- Comment on discussions on their page to gain name recognition
- Look for job opportunities being promoted on Facebook (more employers are using Facebook to announce openings)
- “Like” Groups that you are interested in (hint, think professional)
- Contribute to discussions! Don’t just lurk.
You might as well try some of these things…you really have nothing to lose!
You can also use Facebook to search for people inside companies to network with. Learn how in 2 Secret Facebook Tips for Job Seekers
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
