Even though Facebook has branched out into numerous avenues, it is still known as the social network where people tell you what they had for lunch. Trying to mix in business-oriented features into what can be a vapid social experience is tough. LinkedIn has been business focused from the start, but Facebook wants some of the action.
The new job seeker feature allows people to find hiring managers without leaving Facebook. With the ability, business Pages can post job listings and connect with applicants directly on the network. Facebook is rolling out the feature starting today.
Company owners or employers can create a listing as they would compose a normal status update. For visiting users, they can interact with the update as they normally would, but with one new addition. So, it is possible to share, link, or comment on the status, while there is now also an “Apply Now” options.
By clicking this button, users can fill in an application and submit it using the Facebook messenger platform. Pages owners will now also see a Jobs tab. This tab shows an aggregated list of all job listings being offered by a company. At the moment, the feature is only available to businesses in the US.
LinkedIn Competition
While Facebook has often struggled to compete with LinkedIn in the business social market, this is a big step in the right direction. A big chunk of LinkedIn’s revenue comes from these kinds of listings.
LinkedIn was acquired by Microsoft in a $26 billion deal last year. It is unclear what the company has planned for the social network long term, but competing with Facebook will be a priority. It remains to be seen whether the majority of Facebook users will use the network as a business platform. LinkedIn is focused on enterprise, and is recognized for it.
Facebook’s biggest challenge could be convincing users that is can be a social and business network.
