Using Facebook for Your Job Search
While LinkedIn is a primary tool for professional networking, your Facebook profile can also be a significant asset in your job search. By strategically managing your profile and actively engaging on the platform, you can market your skills and uncover new opportunities.
Auditing and Optimizing Your Profile
First, ensure your profile presents a professional image. Key areas require attention to make your profile job-search ready.
Refine Your "Intro" Section Your intro is a prime branding opportunity, visible to anyone viewing your profile. With only 100 characters, use this space like a LinkedIn headline to feature your desired role or a concise list of your top skills.
Expand Your "About" Section Think of the "About" section as your professional summary. It allows more space to detail your industry experience, highlight in-demand skills, and describe the unique characteristics you bring to a role.
Update Work History and Education Facebook now displays employment and education history more prominently on your profile. Each position you list appears under your intro. While it is beneficial to note your work history, you can also adjust your privacy settings to hide this information from public view if you prefer.
Managing Your Digital Footprint
Maintaining a professional online presence is critical during a job search. Control what potential employers can see.
Master Your Privacy Settings Periodically check your Facebook privacy settings. You can control:
- Who can see your posts and profile information.
- Who can contact you via the platform.
- Who can look you up using your email or phone number.
You can also prevent search engines from linking to your profile. To confirm your changes, use the "View As..." feature (found under the three dots below your cover image) to see how your profile appears to the public or a specific person.
Control Post Visibility Pay attention to the audience for each status update. A globe icon on a post indicates it is public. You can change the visibility of any post to "Friends" or other custom lists to ensure personal updates remain private.
Maintain Professionalism Online Everything you post, share, or comment on can become public. Avoid using profanity, sharing provocative photos, or speaking negatively about current or past employers to maintain a professional image.
Proactive Networking and Job Searching
Beyond profile optimization, you can use Facebook to actively search for jobs and build connections.
Find Job Leads in Facebook Groups Use the Facebook search bar to find groups sharing job leads in your field and geographic area. For example, search for "[Your City] jobs" to find relevant communities.
Engage with Companies and Industries Participate in group discussions related to your occupation to build your network. You can also "like" a company's page and join its career-focused groups to interact with employees and hiring managers.
Identify and Connect with Company Insiders Search for people who work at a company you are interested in by typing "people who work at [Company Name]" in the search bar. While you can message them directly, it is often more effective to find a mutual connection who can provide an email introduction.
Reconnect with College Alumni Ensure your education information is complete and search for your school's alumni groups. Reconnecting with former classmates can be a valuable source for job leads and professional support.