Facebook introduced the new feature in a blog post this week. Initially, the job board functionality is only available to companies based in the U.S. and Canada. There’s no word on when it will expand to other regions worldwide.
Apply from Facebook
Businesses create new jobs using the “Create Job” button on their page. Open positions are then displayed publicly on the page and in the new Jobs bookmark. Roles are targeted towards Facebook users who have the required qualifications. People looking for work can visit pages, the News Feed or the general jobs view to find nearby vacancies.
Applicants can apply for a job directly from the listing by tapping “Apply Now.” A pre-populated form will be displayed before the application is submitted. You just have to review the details, add any missing information and tap Apply to express your interest to the employer. Page admins can see all pending applications on their dashboard and can reach out on Messenger to contact you.
“People already use Facebook”
Facebook said it’s launching the feature to make it easier for businesses to find and interact with potential job candidates. Since businesses and workers already use Facebook to publish and view openings, the company has implemented a complete jobs experience to better serve these users. By letting you apply for jobs in a couple of taps, the app makes it much simpler to get your name known.
“We’re focused on building new ways to help make it easier for businesses to interact with the over 1 billion people visiting Pages every month,” said Facebook. “Businesses and people already use Facebook to fill and find jobs, so we’re rolling out new features that allow job posting and application directly on Facebook.”
Chasing LinkedIn Facebook’s announcement has been interpreted as the next step in its efforts to oust LinkedIn as the business social networking leader. LinkedIn is generally seen as social media for professionals, frequently used by businesses and recruiters to connect with potential employees. Instead of posts about parties and nights out, it features professional articles and papers related to individuals’ work.
Facebook’s new job-focused features continue its work to become more like LinkedIn. As most businesses and people are already on Facebook, there’s no need to join a new network just to look for a job. LinkedIn also has a reputation for being difficult to use. Facebook’s new applications experience is built around simplicity.
LinkedIn is still linked-in
LinkedIn isn’t going to die quietly though. Recently bought by Microsoft, the company just announced a complete overhaul of its website that features a modern Facebook-resembling interface.
The app has been rewritten around performance, ease of use and features, reaffirming the company’s position in professional networking. Facebook is fast gaining momentum in businesses but LinkedIn is still very much alive, despite being increasingly isolated in the connected online world.
