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    How to Use Facebook to Network and Land Your Next Job Opportunity

    How to Use Facebook to Network and Land Your Next Job Opportunity Are you strategizing your job search? Do you think, “I need to devote some time to Facebook this week”? Probably not. Facebook isn’t generally the first or even second platform that comes to mind when thinking about finding a job. And why would it? It’s not like job postings regularly bubble through your newsfeed between that cute cat video and that TMI post about an acquaintance’s recent battle with the flu.

    How to Use Facebook to Network and Land Your Next Job Opportunity

    Are you strategizing your job search? Do you think, “I need to devote some time to Facebook this week”? Probably not. Facebook isn’t generally the first or even second platform that comes to mind when thinking about finding a job. And why would it? It’s not like job postings regularly bubble through your newsfeed between that cute cat video and that TMI post about an acquaintance’s recent battle with the flu.

     

    But when it comes to an effective and organized job search, you should invest some time in social media platforms for multiple reasons. First, you absolutely need to ensure your profiles enhance your job search, rather than derail it. And second, you can interact with companies online in ways that weren’t accessible to job seekers even a few years ago. While the main focus of social media isn’t career-focused, that might actually be what gives you an advantage over other applicants.

     

    How to Leverage Facebook Effectively

    Many studies show that most recruiters research applicants through social media. Your Facebook presence is one way to support your personal brand and grab a recruiter’s attention.

     

    1. Ensure Your Profile Has Professional Polish

    Make an excellent first impression when you use Facebook for a job search. Adjust your Facebook profile and view it using the “View As” tool, so you know what appears from the viewer’s perspective. This step will alert you to any potential issues that could deem you an undesirable candidate.

     

    Remove any content that a potential employer could misconstrue. You want to ensure your private photos and your religious and political views are set to “private.” Use the “Lists” function to keep your personal life confidential.

     

    Consider your Facebook profile photo and update it to a more professional one. Use the same headshot throughout your online branding, such as your LinkedIn profile, personal website, Slack communities, etc. Ensure you’re paying extra attention to the photo background and your attire in the photo. Mirror the professional image of the company or field you’re interested in.

     

    For best results, update your “Work and Education,” “Professional Skills,” and other profile sections so they support your resume. Do your research, and find the most relevant keywords for you. And if you are looking for a job in a specific locale, make sure you’ve added your city and state as well.

     

    Take the time to develop a brand statement that briefly describes what you do and how you do it, sprinkling in a few interesting and unique details to make it pop. This will help recruiters get a broad perspective of who you are and what you do.

     

    2.Do More Than “Like” a Company’s Page

    Research various professional organizations, groups, and companies that align with your job search interests and follow those pages. Associating yourself with these organizations online will build your network, boost your job search potential, and impress future employers with your commitment. Try to get a feel for their culture to ensure an excellent job fit and take a deep dive into their online presence.

     

    You can see the most recently posted jobs on your target company’s profile under the “More” menu drop-down. Also, many companies will regularly publish posts with job openings. You can connect with them by adding meaningful comments on their general posts and engaging with company team members.

     

    Go a step further if they’re your dream company and explore relevant details about them for use in prospective interviews.

     

    1. Update Your Status

    In the pre-Facebook days, lighting up your network meant announcing to everyone you know that you were on the hunt for a job. That might mean you spent time on the phone, texted, or had a friendly chat in the grocery store. While those methods still work just fine, it’s much easier—and perhaps more effective—to broadcast the specifics of your hunt via status updates on Facebook.

     

    Don’t go overboard, of course, but the more you provide information or even humorous updates about your job search, the more likely you will come to the top of a contact’s mind when something at their workplace opens up. Ensure that you’ve clearly defined what you’re looking for so that if your information does get passed along to a recruiter, they’ll see you’re a perfect match for their opening.

     

    4.Network Through Facebook Groups

    From alumni groups to professional interest groups, take advantage of every remotely relevant network to your hunt. In alumni groups, reach out directly to any alumni who work at companies that interest you and nurture that relationship. In professional groups, exchange insider tips, share your advice, and monitor the feeds for jobs posted by community members.

     

    Remember to think beyond your immediate industry to complementary industries too.

     

    1. Use Targeted Keyword Searches

    Job seekers aren’t the only ones enjoying the ease that social media has brought to job searchers. Employers post jobs on almost every social media platform, including Facebook, to ensure they’re getting their openings in front of as many eyes as possible.

     

    Utilize keywords in the Facebook search feature to find relevant openings. For example, if you’re looking for a hybrid role as a project manager in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, you might search for “Ft. Lauderdale project manager jobs” and then narrow it down based on the responses.

     

    An important note here is that social media job postings can be rife with scams. Do your due diligence and research to ensure that the company and posting are legitimate and you’re not participating in any risky internet behavior that might compromise your personal information.

     

    Getting a Job Search Boost From Your Profile

    The great thing about Facebook is that it can get you one step closer to in-person relationship-building that most often brings people jobs. And it can do this on a grander scale than you could ever get using only face-to-face routes or relying solely on LinkedIn.

     

    One of the best ways to ensure you have a safe and scam-free job search is with StartWorkNow. We have a team of real people who hand-vet each posting to ensure our members are only seeing legitimate and verified job opportunities. Take the tour to discover all of the ways that a StartWorkNow membership can support your remote job search.

     

    Don’t forget to share this article with friends!

    What Actually Makes You Happy in a Job?

    What Actually Makes You Happy in a Job? When you’re job hunting, it’s easy to get caught up in the everyday tasks of tailoring resumes and submitting follow-ups. However, it’s vital to ensure you’ve taken time to evaluate what truly makes you happy in a job. If you’re like most people, you probably feel pretty excited when you’re doing something that you’re good at and that fulfills you. So, one of the best things you can do is devote your search to roles and companies that are an excellent fit for you.

    What Actually Makes You Happy in a Job?

    When you’re job hunting, it’s easy to get caught up in the everyday tasks of tailoring resumes and submitting follow-ups. However, it’s vital to ensure you’ve taken time to evaluate what truly makes you happy in a job. If you’re like most people, you probably feel pretty excited when you’re doing something that you’re good at and that fulfills you. So, one of the best things you can do is devote your search to roles and companies that are an excellent fit for you.

     

    That may appear to be a daunting task, but it can provide valuable insight if you break it down into focus areas. And it will help you to create a more enthusiastic and energetic applicant to recruiters. No matter how much you need a job, finding a great fit is better than taking one that makes you miserable. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself back on the job hunt shortly.

     

    Find Fulfillment in Your Next Job:

    We’ve got some pointers below on how to analyze and use the information you find during your job hunt.

    1. Consider Your Desired Work-Life Balance

    Regardless of how much you love your job, if it takes over your life to a point where you cannot maintain a work-life balance, you’ll lose joy quickly. If you’re unsure of your ability to keep work in perspective, this is a role that may not be worth pursuing. You’ll likely be happier elsewhere.

     

    For instance, if one of your big reasons for moving jobs is because you want more time with family and friends, yet it’s anticipated that the role will require 60-plus-hour weeks, the likelihood of you reaching a happy equilibrium is slim.

     

    Have you always dreamed of being a digital nomad? Perhaps you need a flexible role to accommodate caregiving needs? The overall joy that a job provides your life might balance out job-specific duties that you find less engaging.

     

    When work becomes the only thing that matters in your life, it gets old pretty quickly. And how much flexibility are you willing to accept? In terms of hours worked vs benefits gained, do they make working for that company desirable?

    2.Understand Happiness Is Different for Everyone

    The company or role that makes another person happy isn’t guaranteed to make you happy. And just because one environment fits a friend well, it doesn’t mean that’s true for everyone who works there. Or that it will be for you.

     

    For example, if you need a faster-paced job, an office that is laid back and doesn’t have many challenges won’t keep you engaged. Being assigned tasks with little direction or room for creativity may drive you crazy, whereas others may thrive on the routine.

     

    While it’s unrealistic to expect that you’ll never get bored at work with everyday tasks, you should focus on finding a role that doesn’t sound monotonous in its core functions.

     

    3.Ensure You Have the Necessary Skills to Thrive

    Identify what you enjoy, and then reframe those skills for roles that are a great fit. While there is always a learning curve, finding yourself in a position where you’re consistently underperforming will be miserable.

     

    If you love organizing, for example, becoming a virtual assistant might not be a stretch. However, being a project manager for an architectural firm may be a role that is far beyond your experience. If that seems interesting, create a long-term career goal that includes education to close the gaps. Goals will help you be as prepared as possible when a position that’s right for you comes along.

     

    4.Seek Out Roles With the Best Fit

    In some cases, you may find yourself in a scenario where the only jobs available don’t align with your immediate financial dreams. If you find yourself in this position, it’s important to consider how much value the new job will bring you.

     

    What are the benefits outside of dollars and cents? Is it something that will make you happy? Will it fulfill your core values? What are the potential pitfalls if things don’t work out? These are all questions worth asking when considering your next career move. All other factors being equal, a lower-paying job is likely still better for you than another less satisfying role.

     

    5.Research Company Culture and Values

    As you start looking for a job, take the time to learn about each company’s culture and values. The standard principles of other individuals in your office can significantly impact your happiness level. You can find this information in various ways, including online or by asking your network.

     

    Gaining insight into what working at that organization is really like, you’ll be better equipped to decide if it’s a good fit.

     

    Tangible Questions to Ask During Your Research-

    As you consider what job you will enjoy, remember that you may not necessarily find your dream job. However, your job impacts nearly every aspect of your life—where you can live geographically, whether you can pay your bills, how fulfilled you feel daily, and how much free time you have.

     

    Finding a job that brings you joy and supports your life’s essential values should be the focus. To get started, ask yourself the following questions:

     

    • What is the job’s industry, and what are your interests in that industry?
    • Do you have a strong affiliation with a particular industry, such as conservation? Does this job support that even if the role isn’t a “dream” role?
    • Are there multiple paths in this industry?
    • Could you do this job from home? Will this position provide a stable work environment and schedule that will be fulfilling?
    • Does the job align with your values and beliefs?
    • Is it a good fit for your personality?
    • What does a typical day of work look like for this position?
    • Are there more opportunities for professional growth and development? Where do you want to be professionally in five years? Is this job in line with your long-term career goals?
    • Is the compensation sufficient for your needs?
    • Does it offer benefits that are important to you?
    • What is the company culture like at this place of employment—will you fit in well?
    • Does the business have a good reputation within your community or industry (or both)?
    • How has the business performed over the past three years?

    Find Joy in Your Everyday Work Life.

    Don’t just accept the first job that pops up on your radar. The key to finding a fulfilling career is discovering what you want from your entire life and then ensuring the job aligns with those needs.

     

    When it comes time for an interview, ensure you’re clear about what you’re looking for in a company before going into any meetings. You’ll know how best to present yourself, as well as ask relevant questions. Once you have found a position that meets all of your requirements, congratulations! You’ve made one of the most important decisions of your life so far, and we hope everything goes smoothly during training and beyond!

     

    And if you haven’t landed an interview yet, ensure that you’re creating a long-term career plan that will build on the experience you’re gaining. Not sure what your next career goal should be? Consider meeting with a career coach to review your resume and find gaps. Understanding your goals will ensure you’re making the best choices as career opportunities present themselves.

     

    Get Some Outside Perspective-

    One of the best things you can do for your job search is gain some outside perspective. Our professional career coaches can help you find common themes and highlight gaps in experience. Give your job search a boost with us!

     

     

    How to Be a Productive Remote Worker

    How to Be a Productive Remote Worker Ask anyone who works from home regularly if they’re more productive than working in an office—the answer is almost always an enthusiastic “YES!” And while that answer may not surprise you, studies show remote workers are generally more productive than those who work in the office.

    How to Be a Productive Remote WorkerProductive Remote Worker

    Ask anyone who works from home regularly if they’re more productive than working in an office—the answer is almost always an enthusiastic “YES!” And while that answer may not surprise you, studies show remote workers are generally more productive than those who work in the office.

     

    Whether you’re new to remote work or a seasoned pro, being productive is an essential element of success in any job. But being productive as a remote worker isn’t exactly the same as being a productive worker in general. Here are a few tips to help you out.

    How to Be a Productive Remote Worker:

    As a remote worker, you can improve your productivity by creating and sticking to a schedule, setting boundaries, and banishing distractions. But there are other things you can do to take your productivity to a whole new level (and impress your boss!).

     

    Pick and Choose-

    Every day, you’re probably faced with what seems like a mountain of tasks. And as you look over your daily to-do list, every one of those tasks may look crucial and need to have the top spot on your list.

     

    Even if every task on your list were that urgent, there are only so many hours in the day. And as a remote worker, you won’t have a boss nearby saying “do this first” to help you decide what takes priority. While it may feel like everything is equally important, the reality is that you may need to make some hard choices about what can and can’t wait.

     

    One way to approach this is to ask yourself which task or tasks you can make the most progress on today. Focus on and prioritize those tasks, leaving the others for another day.

     

    Tackle Your Tasks-

    Once you know which tasks take priority, you have to figure out how to tackle them. There are several ways to approach your to-do list, and you may have a method that works for you. But if you’re new to remote work, you may discover that what works in an office doesn’t work when you work remotely.

     

    Here are some productivity techniques to test out:

     

    The Pomodoro Technique: use blocks of time (like 25 minutes) to focus on your work, then take a five-minute break before working for another block of time

    Eat the frog: start with your hardest task first to get it done and off your plate

    Start small: AKA the two-minute rule, start with the smallest or easiest task first to start your day with an accomplishment.

     

    One Task at a Time-

    Multitasking can make you feel more productive. When you’re in a meeting while responding to emails and texts, you can check tasks off your list at the same time. There’s nothing more productive than that!

     

    The problem with multitasking, though, is that while you feel more productive, the reality is that it’s probably making you less productive than you realize.

     

    When you’re interrupted at work, you’re more likely to make mistakes. Studies have shown that your brain has trouble switching between tasks no matter how focused you feel, resulting in more errors. Even though intentionally multitasking isn’t the same as being interrupted, it has the same effect on your brain, making it more likely you’ll make mistakes you need to correct later and reducing your overall productivity.

     

    Switch to monotasking to keep your productivity up. Focus on a single task and give it your full attention, reducing the likelihood you have to fix errors later and making you a more productive worker.

     

    Take Breaks-

    You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: to be a productive remote worker (or any worker), schedule and take regular breaks throughout the day!

     

    Studies suggest that after 75 to 90 minutes, our brains get tired of whatever task we’re working on. When our brains tire, we are less focused on the task, making it more likely we’ll make mistakes.

     

    As a remote worker, it’s easy to forget to take breaks. While you may run to the fridge to refill your water bottle, there’s no one there to chat with for a few moments, meaning you’ll fill up then go straight back to work.

     

    Make it a priority to schedule a 15-minute break for yourself at least every 90 minutes to give your brain a chance to reset, refresh, and relax. Take a walk around the block, do some desk yoga, and yes, social media can count. Whatever it is, make it fun and not work-related.

     

    Take Care of Yourself-

    One of the best ways to be a productive remote worker is to be a healthy person. But with all of your professional priorities, sometimes it’s hard to remember to prioritize yourself. With so much competing for first place on your to-do list, you may skimp on sleep, exercise, or eating healthy to squeeze in a little more time to get it all done.

     

    Working a late night here and there or ordering pizza instead of cooking once in a while is OK. But if you find you’re working more and sleeping less more often than not, and pizza is all you ever eat, it’s time to take a step back and take care of yourself.

     

    Keep Production Going-

    Being a productive remote worker doesn’t mean plowing through your tasks for eight straight hours. Productivity happens when you plan your tasks thoughtfully, give them your undivided attention, and take care of yourself!

     

    If you’re ready to join the ranks of productive remote workers, StartWorkNow is here to help. From our extensive database of legitimate, remote, flexible, and hybrid jobs to career coaches (and more!), a StartWorkNow membership can power your job search. Take the tour and learn more.

    Job Interview Etiquette & Manners Everyone Should Follow

    Remote Job Interview Etiquette & Manners Everyone Should Follow

    Job Interview Etiquette & Manners Everyone Should Follow

    Are you preparing for a job interview? Impressing hiring managers takes more than outstanding credentials. Your resume and credentials got you to this point. Now, the recruiters are trying to gauge if you’ll be an excellent fit for the team. To ensure you make the best impact possible, there are a few etiquette tips you should know and follow.

     

    From shaking the interviewer’s hand to sending a thank-you note, following these simple guidelines can make a big impression on your potential employer. If your interview is virtual, the majority of these tips still apply, as well as a few other considerations we’ll touch on.

     

    So, read on to learn more about the do’s and don’ts of job interviewing etiquette. You’ll be glad you did!

     

    Create a Fantastic First Impression on Job Interview-

    • Be On Time

    Being late is a job interview faux pas, so do everything you can to arrive on schedule. As a best practice, plan to arrive at the area early and wait. You can pass the time at a nearby coffee shop or stroll around to work off jitters. If a circumstance beyond your control makes keeping the appointment time impossible, notify the potential employer immediately. Offer a sincere apology and a brief explanation before asking if the meeting can be rescheduled.

     

    Also, being early is essential, but anything more than 10 or 15 minutes is probably too early. Another employee will have to ensure you’re comfortable and don’t need anything for an extended time.

     

    • Be Respectful of Everyone

    Be nice to everyone, regardless of position. Make “please” and “thank you” staples of your vocabulary. Look for ways to be helpful, such as holding a door open. When you’re nervous or running through interview scenarios in your head, you may zone out. Make a conscious effort to be present in the moment for every interaction.

     

    Never underestimate the power of the receptionist or admin assistant to make or break your interview success. If you’re rude to them, even if it’s unintentional, and they mention it to the recruiter, your chances sink. After all, no one wants someone that’s not a team player in their office.

     

    • Dress Professionally

    Consider the dress code at the company and dress to impress. Even if you’re interviewing in a more casual environment, wear appropriate attire. Do a little research and look at their website or LinkedIn profile. Often, they’ll have photos of employees that indicate the dress code. When in doubt, dress up rather than down. It may feel uncomfortable to wear a suit if you’re used to casual business attire, but it’s better to overdress than underdress.

     

    Also, consider your industry and previous work experience when choosing what you will wear. For example, engineers need more durable pant fabrics that can stand up to the rigors of manufacturing or construction sites where fashion is not a goal. On the other hand, accountants should stick with “power suits” and polished shoes.

     

    • Bring Multiple Copies of Everything

    It’s a good idea to have a copy of your resume, references, and any other essential documents with you during the interview. You might think it’s unnecessary, but things can go wrong, so be sure to have copies of everything.

     

    • Don’t Talk Negatively About Former Employers

    Resist the urge to talk negatively about your previous employers or colleagues when describing your experience. Your potential new boss may see you as overly critical, which can put them off. It’s best to say that it wasn’t a great fit, or the role wasn’t what you anticipated it to be.

     

    If you got laid off or fired, ensure that you give a professional explanation. Perhaps you were frequently late. You can reframe it as a learning experience—you’re setting yourself up for success by seeking a role closer to home without the hassle of a commute.

     

    • Body Language Matters

    People are likely to remember how you carry yourself. Ensure that you’re leaving them the best possible impression. Stand up when the interviewer enters the room and offer a hand for a firm handshake. Keep your body posture open—don’t cross your arms or put them behind your head.

     

    Ensure you’re making eye contact, as that communicates confidence. Are you dealing with multiple interviewers? When asked a question, start looking at the person who asked it. Then, briefly make eye contact with others before returning your gaze to the original asker while finishing your answer.

     

    • Don’t Fidget

    Fidgeting signals that you’re not confident, so don’t rub an itch on your face or scratch parts of your body during an interview. Practice sitting still in front of the mirror if you tend to be restless when nervous. If need be, bring your hands to your lap and hold them to keep them from touching your face or hair.

     

    If you’re offered water, always accept it, as it will give you something to do with your hands. It’s also a great way to buy some time while considering your answers. Just ensure that you’re not nervously playing with it.

     

    • Turn Off Your Cell Phone and Limit Distractions

    Show your interviewer that there’s nothing more important to you than what is going on in this room. Turn off and put away your cell phone and avoid checking the clock or your watch. Try to resist gazing out the window or letting your mind wander.

     

    • Don’t Overshare

    No matter how friendly the interviewer seems, remember that the two of you just met. During your interview preparation, rehearse an elevator speech that answers the initial “tell me a little about yourself” question. Avoid personal life details, controversial topics, and complaints about past employers. Employers want upbeat applicants who know what shouldn’t be discussed (and what could even be illegal for employers to know).

     

    • Do Your Research

    Don’t waste time with questions quickly answered by looking through the website. Instead, spend time researching the company. You should already be able to express why the mission statement appeals to you.

     

    If you know ahead of time who you’re interviewing with, spend some time looking them up on LinkedIn so you can get a feel for their background. You should be able to ask a few well-thought-out questions, such as:

     

    • What is the company culture like?
    • What kind of personality do you think is most successful here?
    • What is a typical career path for team members in this role?
    • What do you love about working here?
    • Can you tell me more about a typical day/week in the position?
    • What are some of the projects that I would be working on?

     

    • Rehearse Answers to Common Questions

    “Tell me about your previous role.” shouldn’t send you into a tailspin of nerves. Review frequently asked interview questions and be prepared with rehearsed answers. Consider having an outline rather than memorizing word-for-word answers.

     

    Having bullet points ensures that you’re not thrown off if the question is worded a little differently. Also, if you’ve memorized a response, you might struggle if you veer off a couple of words. Instead, have bullet points and practice covering them all concisely in a conversational manner.

     

    • Say Thank You and Follow Up

    End your meeting on a cordial note by thanking your interviewer for the opportunity. Politely confirm or ask for details about the next steps in the process. As soon as you are out of the office, sit for five minutes and write down the names of your interviewers and any specific details you discussed. When you get home, continue to show your appreciation (and knowledge of business etiquette). Sending an email to say thank you should be a standard protocol.

     

    Keep to your word if you said you’d send references or pass along an interesting article. If asked to check back on a specific day, do so. Don’t overwhelm the interviewer with extra calls. Doing what was agreed upon shows commitment and trustworthiness.

     

    Virtual Interview Considerations-

    If you find yourself with a virtual interview, many of the same rules apply. Present yourself as well-researched and confident, be polite, and follow up. There are a few special considerations, however.

     

    • Check Your Connectivity and Software

    Conduct a few trial runs to ensure that your Wi-Fi is sufficient to handle to interview. If you haven’t been using Zoom lately, brush up on your skills beforehand to ensure you know how to join the meeting. Enlist a family or friend to help you.

     

    Pay attention to your background and ensure that you’re in a bright, well-lit area. Find a space that is quiet and free of distractions. Avoid jingly bracelets and don’t assume that you only need to dress from the waist up. That’s a myth about remote work. Put yourself together as if you were meeting in person, selecting your attire for a video meeting with care. Recruiters notice that you’re taking the interview seriously.

     

    • Practice, Practice, Practice

    As a last note, if you’re not comfortable with Zoom, spend some time practicing. It can be unnerving at first to see yourself on camera. If you’re by yourself, record some video of yourself giving common answers to questions and then review it.

     

    Ace the Interview

    In the end, the recruiter is looking for the best fit for the role. You may be nervous or anxious about what might happen during an interview, but if you follow these simple etiquette tips, then you should be one of the top contenders!

     

    One of the best ways to build confidence for your interview is by practicing. Did you know that our expert coaches offer mock interviews? During your session, your coach will ask questions, provide feedback, and offer tips to improve your performance.

     

    Along with access to our massive database of flexible jobs, StartWorkNow members get steeply discounted rates to our expert career coaching services. Find out all the ways being a StartWorkNow member can help supercharge your job search.

     

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