I admit that I had been reluctant to use Facebook for job searching for a year now.  Just recently I decided to join Facebook and see if it has features which might be useful to me.

One of the reason Facebook is so important as a job search tool is because most businesses (who are net savy and know the power of web) are already there. And many recruiters  are constantly checking social networking sites to reach out to potential candidates, and Facebook is a platform they always check for your presence or lack thereof.

Here are my findings:

I set up my Facebook Profile to be only about my work and my career goals. I am using my professional photo and my updates are relating to the SaaS field (which is my job search focus) and for certain job searching ideas I am finding.  And yes, my Job Searching blog (the site you are on now) is listed on my Facebook Profile.  My family and friend are finding me on Facebook so I am accepting these friends as well as my networking contacts whom I have met and know.

Key Facebook Tips for the Job Seeker

• Review your Profile and decide what you want business contacts or prospective employers to see.
• Create a simple profile with minimal graphics and widgets.
• Choose your Friends wisely. (note: your Friends can see information about your other Friends in your Profile)
• Post content relevant to your job search or career.
• Use Facebook email to build relationships with your Friends.
• Limit the photos you post.

Facebook Search

When you search for a key word or phrase on Facebook, you can narrow it down to people, pages, groups, link, etc.  This provides a wide range of options as to who to network with and reach out to.  For instance, if you are looking for jobs related to “SaaS” you can simply search for that term and connect with people in that particular field. You can search for people who are application developers and system implementators; or merely search for links that have the word “SaaS” in them. This allows you to connect with like minded people and build a relationship with them which can help you find a job later. Also if you are searching for links, you might find a job where someone is looking for an SaaS implementator.

Additionally, you can also find links to blog posts or job openings for “SaaS.” To find links that contain the word “SaaS” simply click on “posts by friends” or “posts by everyone” on the left. Once you click either one based on your preference, you can now search for links, wall updates or Facebook notes that have the word “SaaS” in them.

Facebook Pages and Groups

Two very important features of Facebook are “Facebook Pages” and “Facebook Groups.” These features allow you to join a group of people with similar interests, or simply provide an opportunity for you to learn more about a company or connect with recruiters via Facebook.  Key tip: let others know that you are available. Your active participation and engagement in these groups will help recruiters determine whether you are a good fit when there is a job opening.

One thing to keep in mind when joining groups and pages is that you want to narrow down as much as possible based on your field of expertise.  Make sure to be an active user in these groups because when a job opportunity becomes available, recruiters looking for professionals will definitely look into specific groups and pages to see who they can contact based on their participation and skills.

Also Facebook has many groups and pages for career minded individuals as well as recruiters. Use the word “recruiter” when searching and you should be able to find many groups and pages. Choose the ones that seem active and start participating.

Facebook Applications

Facebook now has over 10,000 Applications in the directory! – some of which are great for job hunters on Facebook.  I am listing 5 here the ones I view as most useful for you:

Easy CV – Easy CV is an add-on to the famous on-line resume service.  It allows you to add a short summary of your resume on your Facebook Profile and a dedicated page for the complete CV.  Recruiters can download your resume directly from your Facebook profile. If you are following and reaching out to the right people, applications like these can be a huge boost for your job search.  Your resume can be placed in these formats: PDF, MS Word or video.

Indeed – Job Search – Find jobs where your friends work. Search millions of jobs from thousands of job sites and company career pages. Receive job proposals and resumes from your profile page.testimonials

My LinkedIn Profile – Promote your LinkedIn account with a badge on your Facebook profile.

Business Cards – Business Cards will help you network better on Facebook.  Personalize your card and attach it to your Facebook messages! View postings and network with others!

Professional Profile – Create a professional profile on Facebook. With one-click,professionalupload your resume in or import your LinkedIn profile and recommendations. Get recommendations from friends. See resumes in your network.

Facebook Marketplace

This is a feature that you can check to see if it is useful to you.  You can find the link to Facebook Marketplace at the bottom left of the main page.  After you click on the marketplace icon you will be directed to a page which shows listings such as for sale items, housing, jobs, etc. To find more jobs simply click on jobs and you will be able to see all the jobs listed in the marketplace.

Facebook Ads

This is a cost item within Facebook.  You may find this to be beneficial to your job search.  Reason: you can target your ads and pin point who sees them. Although these ads may not land you a job, the fact that for $10 or $15 dollars you can be seen more than 20,000 times, it’s certainly an option to consider.

Conclusion

If you are going to use Facebook as a job search tool, be sure your Facebook Profile is professional  (limit the pictures you post and the updates you make) for viewing by recruiters and hiring managers. Basic rule: always watch the content you post. You never know who will see your information in the future.

An option to consider: if you are uncomfortable setting up a personal page then create a second Facebook account for a more professional use and keep the two separate.