About a year ago, I was a new college grad, stressed out of my mind trying to look for work, but instead of sitting back while no employers called me or looked at my resume, I used Facebook ads to spread the word that I was looking for work in the publishing world.
It’s a year later, and I’m still “that girl.” I go to publishing events, and it’s still, “Hey! I saw your ad on my Facebook page last summer!” Or, “You’re the girl who splashed her face all over my homepage.”
Good times.
This rather weird reason to be known in my circle can be seen as a positive or a negative – I choose positive but I guess that’s up to you.
My Story
I graduated from Davidson College in May 2009, hoping to get a job in publishing. I don’t know why I picked publishing – I like books? Both my parents are writers? I couldn’t think of any other career path that didn’t sound horribly boring? Regardless of the fact that the industry is kind of at a standstill and doesn’t pay very much, I spent 3 months applying to every single entry-level publishing job in New York. Nothing happened.
Now, I’m kind of an impatient person, so I decided to screw it and market myself instead of playing into “The System.” I took out Facebook advertisements, targeting anyone who worked at the major publishing houses. Not only did I get a job in two weeks, but it was publicized everywhere from Real Simple magazine to ABC News.
Should You Do It?
Up to you dudes, up to you. You run the risk of not looking super creative because it has been done before, but it’s not like I was the first, and it worked like a charm for me!
Stuff to keep in mind:
- Some people are going to find it creepy and are going to tell you. Get over it. They’re just jealous.
- More people are going to Google you, friend you on Facebook, follow you on Twitter… Make sure all your profiles are up to date and there’s nothing bad people will find if they cyber-stalk you.
Tips for Creating a Facebook Ad
Create a webpage to which your ad will link. A LinkedIn profile isn’t enough since they’re not that interesting. A Wordpress site is super easy to put together, and you can include links to your other profiles.
Target companies specifically. Don’t just say, “I want to work in finance.” Say, “I want to work at JP Morgan.”
Pros and Cons
I wanted to include the pros and cons to creating a Facebook ad, but to be honest, all I see are pros. Various people have mentioned a few issues they have with this method, saying that they’re creepy, don’t work, and – since many people have used them now – are no longer innovative.
While each of these arguments has merits, I still think they are an effective addition to any job search. Let’s take a look at the arguments:
- They’re creepy. Well, maybe. I mean, it is your face on someone else’s Facebook page. But how is that any different from having your personal information plastered all over Facebook sans advertisement? That’s what I thought. As Debbie Stier wrote on the HarperStudio blog, “I must point out that we both have the fact that we work at HarperCollins as part of our Facebook profiles — so I’m not sure Facebook has used anything we declared as private for this woman to be able to target us with her campaign. I’m sure what’s fair game information is all in the fine print of Facebook.”
- They don’t work. This is where it entirely depends on your determination and your skills. Yeah, if you have no experience and are advertising yourself for a job you know nothing about, the ad itself won’t get you work. You need the resume to back it up. The mistake many people make is thinking the ad will do all the work for you. It won’t. Make sure you have your ad linking to a kick ass website that will showcase all of your skills. Otherwise you’ll just look gimmicky.
- They’re no longer innovative. God, I hate this argument. Would you not write a cover letter just because it’s not “innovative” enough? Not all job search techniques need to be a stunt, so if a Facebook ad can put you in front of the right people, who the hell cares if someone else has done it too?
“In this economy” (I hate when people say that, so sorry) and with job search tactics constantly changing, it’s really important to think outside the box. Just because your college career counselor told you that if you are patient enough, a job will find you, doesn’t mean you have to sit on your ass writing cover letters all day.
Don’t waste your time. Sure, have a rockin’ resume. But go to networking events, build a killer LinkedIn profile, hop on Twitter, and target your dream company using Facebook ads. I promise you won’t be sorry.
**For instructions on how to create a Facebook advertisement, click here.
Marian specializes in social media for job hunters, sometimes gets paid to write and works with authors who want to build up their personal brand. She blogs and usually features posts under the “uncategorized” tag but likes to pretend it revolves somewhat around Gen Y careers that don’t fit in a box. She is launching a virtual classroom teaching recent grads, job seekers and freelancers how to use social media as the ultimate career tool. Follow her on Twitter. Do it now.
What crazy things have you done to get a job?
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