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We live in times when actors play cricket, cricketers act as corrupt politicians, politicians watch porn in parliament and porn-stars become actors. No one seems to do what they’re actually supposed to. And still Twitter being down is considered to be a bigger tragedy than the National Economy being down. Aargh!

Somewhat similar is the case with Facebook I feel now. Wikipedia tells me its a “social networking service” but I have my doubts about it. Yes, for someone whose bread and butter is all about being on Facebook, am digging my own grave. But a man has got to do what a man has got to do. And that includes writing honest opinions.

Lets see Facebook from my eyes – a normal user plus a marketer. I enjoy my time on Facebook and also rack my brains on formulating strategies and run targeted Ad Campaigns for clients. Right from the moment I log into FB, am surrounded by all sorts of Ads. Right side Ads, Sponsored stories, Ads on my timeline, promoted posts, App Ads in mobile browsing….. the list goes on. Now, for a marketer, its good news – “Congrats mate! You’re ads are being bombarded on the audience”. Pfft. But as with all maniacs who’re mad about Social Media, I do too understand that’s exactly how it’s NOT supposed to work. But who’ll listen?

Now. changing my role from a regular user to that of being a marketer, I log onto one of the pages we manage and check its insights. BLISTERING STORM CHATTERING BARNACLES!!! Its all haywire. The post that was engaged by about 110 people, shows a virality of 1.3% and the post that garnered 4 likes shows a virality of 9.7%! Either the insights are totally screwed up, or I misunderstand the meaning of the word virality.

And then you have the admin control panel. Where, once upon a long time ago you could see notifications and list of new likes by default, now you only see “Get New Likes” and “Promote Post”. I feel more like am being asked permission to be robbed than advertise as a marketer.

Moving on, I go ahead to promote a post in a client’s page since its something important. (Yes, I am mad enough to use the promote option ever since some guys over at FB decided to decrease the organic reach of page content from 80% to about 20%. I’ll kill the person who thought only about the financials of it). And then I get my third and final heart attack of the day. The minimum rate for promoting a post has been increased to INR 300! From 260 to 280 to 300!!

Reflects my blood pressure at the moment.

Literally too scared to move on, afraid it might ask for my bank account access next, I close the work for the day. And start thinking.

Yes, Mark Z also wants to make money. Yes, he also has bills to pay and salaries to give. But a product which started off as a Social Network has now lost all its beauty. Its more like a classifieds site now, with a secondary motive to act as a Social Network. At times I feel better staring at the Classified page of the newspaper than the Facebook Home screen. At least no one offers me an iPhone 4S for 95% discount here 😐

Facebook might as well be named the best E-Commerce site out there yet. As for what they’re selling and what’s their product? I leave it to your imagination….

No, I haven’t gone nuts! Its true. Facebook actually CAN help you with your job search. All you need to know is “how”.

During the last few years we have heard many stories of how people have got fired by using Facebook. Ranging from status updates about how much you loathe your boss to posting pictures of you getting drunk at last Saturday’s office party, people have been shown the door of their office for various reasons. So how can Facebook be used as a” Job-Searcher” rather than a “Job-Destroyer”? Here are a few points you should keep in mind.

Smart Status Updates
Well, all of us post status updates now and then. Then why not use it for something useful! Update your status with your current situation and what kind of a job you’re looking for. You’ll be amazed at the number of people who might actually respond. Friends, family, colleagues and even long time acquaintances are all there to help you. All you need is ask. Its human nature to help and you’ll be delighted at the responses you get. But also remember that you stay in the forefront of their mind by continuously reminding them about you else they’ll forget about the whole stuff. Keep updating about the latest on your job hunt journey.

Professional Networking
Everyone expects to get contacted professionally via Twitter or LinkedIn. Though Facebook is not considered a professional network platform, there is no hard and fast rule that you cant use it for the same. You can assume that most of your colleagues and potential recruiters will be on Facebook. Try to see if you have a common friend who can get you introduced to them. Contacting them via Facebook will surely make you stand out from the usual Twitter-LinkedIn crowd. But be careful when using this tactic. Tread carefully and it’ll work. Else you might be asking for trouble.

Join And Get Active In Groups
Just like in real life, groups hold an important place in our social life too. Facebook groups are just like any other groups you can find. A place to post and discuss about a particular topic of interest, industry or incident. You can add value to the group by joining in and starting discussions that will get others involved. After a number of healthy discussions you can send them a friend’s request and they are likely to accept since they more or less know you or are acquainted. The objective here is to network with and get noticed by others in the industry which could eventually lead to you being considered for a job even before it is posted.

Facebook Marketplace
In Facebook marketplace you will be able to search for local job listings. You can now either apply or contact the person behind the posting for more information. Facebook’s marketplace may not be as complete as other marketplaces but they can benefit you as there is likely to be less competition for any roles posted there.

Posting Ads Of Yourself
It may sound as madness but its worth giving a try if you are crazy and creative enough. And is sure to turn some heads around! If you are ready to spend money on your search, you can post an ad telling where you would like to work. You can pick the demographics of the audience you want to target and set your daily budget. The more specific you can make it, the better. These ads are likely to render some interest n yourself and may or may not lead to your dream job but its certainly another way to reach out.

Finally, the answer to whether you can use Facebook to land a job. Well, lets just say its still in the backyard when compared to LinkedIn, but sure is worth a try. Anyways you spend a lot of time in Facebook so why not utilize it for something useful. Another tool in your kit is not going to hurt!

Have more points to add to these? Feel free to comment.

Vijay S Paul

Melbourne Blogger, Storyteller, Writer

Tag: facebook