The new Facebook Graph Search holds promise for job seekers and recruiters. Facebook introduces the social graph search this month. Recruiters who use social media sites such as Facebook will have an opportunity like never before to search for candidates based on what the "friend" likes. For instance, one will be able to search, "Friends who like java software development." Job hunters can search for companies, and hiring managers, "Friends who like Proctor and Gamble." Of course the new graph search will allow you to search for fun things too like "My friends who like dogs," or "friends who like American Idol."
Consider this: Facebook has one billion members with interests as diverse as its participants. Facebook Graph Search is still in beta. I happened to sign up immediately. You can sign up to be on a waiting list, and be one of the first to get access to this tool that phenomenal potential. Here's what Wired Magazine said in their article, "Facebook's Bold, Compelling, and Scary Engine Of Discovery: The Inside Story Of Facebook's Graph Search."
The new social graph allows you to explore your friend's photos, and use simple specific phrases like "Photos my friends took in Florida". You can find just about anything you want. You can discover music, restaurants, and schools all via the people you know. You can find what you are looking for through your friends, and their connections. That's not all. Facebook is introducing a new look for the news feed for mobile and desktop computers. I tried the graph search and found friends who live in my City, and friends who like cycling, and live in Cincinnati. When I posted several articles on the topic, one of my friends commented, "been there, none of my friends like having fun".
Of course, the first thing people worry about is their privacy. Facebook allows you to control your privacy settings so that you can participate as much, or as little as you like.Personally, I want to find and be found. That's the point of Facebook's Graph Search. I am on Facebook for personal reasons, and I also am there for professional networking. While looking for a job, the graph search can unfold endless possibilities. Explore.
Every time Facebook makes changes, or introduces something new people who are not tech savvy grumble and complain. People who worry about their privacy worry it will compromise their boundaries. The fact remains that Facebook will continue to experiment, grow, and improve. You may not like the changes at first, but in six months you probably won't remember what your objections were. Explore Facebook's Graph Search, get on the waiting list, and get ready to move your career forward.
