Research: Articles and Tips to Help You

How to Research Using Facebook

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Facebook — Research and Promotion
Facebook gives job-seekers a chance not only to learn
about companies, but to show our strengths too.

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Research is one of the most important and often overlooked parts of job hunting. In addition to the normal methods of research, here is one more: Facebook.

Facebook is a tool that you can use to gain a truly competitive edge in your search. Log on to Facebook. Once there, search to see if the company has a Facebook page. If they do, you can become a fan and get regular updates as they post them. This can give you a pulse on the company and what they are thinking that you might not get in any other way. You can also add value by posting relevant responses to their posts, contributing to discussions, and participating in polls. Not only are you doing research, you get two for one and are gaining visibility within the company.

If they do not have a Facebook page, this opens a new door of opportunity for you. During your interview (or follow-up thank you note) you can mention that you searched for them on Facebook to become a fan and did not find them. Then let them know all the ways that Facebook can simply and cheaply impact their business positively. (Not sure what the business applications are? Start by reading this Chicago Tribune article: Facebook, Twitter...Help Drive Business for Small Firms) Show your value as a recent college grad — you have a unique advantage that most other job seekers do not — being up on the current trends in technology. Show them how your “recent grad” status is actually a benefit to their company rather than a liability!

Be creative when doing research and you will be able to stand a head above the crowd in your job search.