Facebook has a major part to play when you are job hunting.
Whilst LinkedIn is still the primary professional networking site that recruiters are using to source candidates, Facebook and Google+ are catching up fast.
There is a wealth of talent on these sites and you need to be part of that talent.
Facebook currently attracts the graduates and student market however, there is a place for executives as well.
Image from Wikipedia
Remember your privacy settings and ensure that these are set appropriately and that content on your Facebook pages is suitable for potential employers to view.
How to use Facebook as a resource?
Once again it’s about setting a strategy and reminding yourself about what is your goal. With Facebook it might be that it’s about looking for the right employer.
- Employers will set up their own company pages so your strategy is to research the sector, industry and company and then ‘Like’ their business pages.
- Engage with company and add value to their wall. Ask questions and offer positive comments.
- Facebook is more entertaining and active than LinkedIn so if you are actively updating your status, ensure that it is suitable.
- Companies can showcase their business with video, pictures, adverts for jobs and testimonials for FREE. These tools allow them to show the members what a great company they are and how attractive they would be as an employer.
- Facebook has a large audience and the members that ‘Like’ certain business pages become a target market. Be prepared to receive their communications.
- Facebook feeds and ‘Like’ buttons make integration easier so employer branding is becoming more prominent.
- Facebook is an open network with no fees charged at any level so you can have access to all the content to help you in your job search.
Recruiters might use LinkedIn for networking, screening and recruiting but they are using Facebook for brand activities and talent communication.
As a starting point, Facebook is a great place for employers to start looking for bright new talent and for you, the job seeker it’s a great place to position yourself as one of pool. The more proactive you are the better you will come across.
Do you think that LinkedIn still has the edge or does Facebook and Google+ come close when using social media for job searching?