Facebook helps job seekers

Facebook partnered with the US Labor Department last month in an effort to find jobs for the 14 million Americans who are currently unemployed. The fan page, available on Facebook, directs job seekers to companies that are currently hiring according to an article published in the Los Angeles Times.

A survey created by Jobvite, states that 85% of companies are now using social media to hire potential employees. Sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are prime examples of why this new initiative can definitely benefit job seekers out there.

I can attest to this new trend in hiring because I see it everyday. My job requires me to be on Twitter and LinkedIn for a good part of the day. I see dozens of job announcements in tweets or posted in LinkedIn groups. One company even promotes "Work Wednesdays" where all available jobs in that sector are advertised on Twitter. Employers are encouraged to post jobs for the job seekers out there.
 

I was curious to see if this fanpage really existed and if the tools mentioned in the article actually work. So I did some investigating. The fanpage is called the "Social Jobs Partnership"and there are currently 15,047 members.

One interesting partner, (My Skills, My Future), on the fanpage claims to give job seekers information about educational and employment opportunities in their area. The twist is that the site matches you based on your skill set and not necessarily on the sector you typically work within.

For example, you may have previously worked as a receptionist in an office setting. Well, put in "receptionist" in the search setting and then click on "find my career matches" and a host of options turn up. The search turns up job opportunities in health related fields for a medical records technician. Or in the legal field as a legal secretary. Or in the finance sector as an insurance policy clerk.

Not only that but the search provides you with hundreds of job listings, salary information, and what type of training is required (if any) for the position. It seems like all your job search related needs are right at your fingertips.

I even put in the search term "retail", which is rather broad and not exactly a job title, but I got results. Here are some of the jobs that were listed:

• Vocational Education Teachers, Postsecondary
• Gaming and Sports Books Writers and Runners
• Counter and Rental Clerks
• Bartenders
• Retail Salesperson
• Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

This is by no means an exhaustive list. The options are quite unique and if you are unsure whether you have the necessary qualifications just click on "compare skills" or "find training."

 

For all the retail job seekers out there, since this blog is really for you, I say look into these opportunities. Browse the fanpage and the My Skills My Future website for some interesting ways to find jobs in your area.