Job Hunting With Facebook

Use social media to land a new job.

A recent Nielsen study, reported in "Time" magazine, said that people now spend more time social networking than sending or receiving emails. If you are diligent and put in the time, there are many ways you can use Facebook as a job-search tool.

Profile

One factor to consider is that many businesses scan potential employees for their Facebook pages to get an idea of the type of person they are. If you are looking for a new job, it is best to delete photos, groups and information that would be unsavory to a potential employer. Making a professional profile and keeping it public is the best way to get yourself out there, but keep it authentic.

Fans and Groups

Join the groups or become a fan of the company you want to work for, or become a fan of a product that company produces. Most of the time, those pages are maintained by a marketing or public relations representative and it might be a way to get your resume in the door and express your interest.

Friends

Networking is the most effective way to land a new job, and your Facebook network consists of friends, family, co-workers, former co-workers and classmates. These are all individuals who might be the key to getting your foot in the door at a new company, or conveying your interest to make a lateral move or land a promotion at your present place of employment. If you have no interest in staying in your present company it might be best to limit or totally eliminate present co-workers from your friends list and to make portions, or all, of your profile private. Letting your network of friends know you are in the market for a new job and asking if they know of anything available is a good way to use social media to your advantage. According to social media website Mashable, 80 percent of jobs are obtained through networking.

Present Employees

Another way to use Facebook to network is to find on Facebook employees currently at the company you would like to work for. You can find names online then search for that person on Facebook and friend them. They might be able to pass along your resume or provide you with advice on how to land a job or the name of the HR representative to contact to apply for a position.

Portfolio

Use your Facebook account as a living portfolio. Upload relevant work, including schoolwork, blog posts, professional associations or anything else relevant to the job you want.

References

• Mashable: "7 Secrets to Getting Your Next Job Using Social Media;" Dan Schwabel
• Time: "Using Twitter and Facebook to Find a Job;" Barbara Kiviat; June 2009