Facebook’s new Graph Search is a semantic search engine that is
designed to give answers to a user’s natural language queries rather
than provide a list of links. It’s a good tool to use when you’re
looking for a job. Here are some tips for using GS to your best
advantage:

1. Search for friends, and friends of friends, who work at your dream company.

Facebook
Graph Search gives you access to and compiles all of the information
that a user puts on their profile, which is conveniently available to
you. That means that with a few quick searches, you can see everyone
that you are connected to who works at a company you’re interested in.
Unlike LinkedIn, these are not necessarily business connections but
probably people you once partied with or know through a friend. You can
take a look at their profiles to see shared interests and message them
in a less formal setting, allowing you to learn more about a company or a
job without it feeling like networking.

2. Treat GS like an informal, fun resume.

Remember
that just as you can find your friends of friends and people with
shared interests, they can find you. Your Facebook profile is a great
way to show who you are, beyond the resume, and no one expects your
profile to be the same as your LinkedIn profile. But do be aware that
people will see what groups you’re a part of and what pictures you’re
tagged in, as well as what friends have posted on your wall. In other
words, be ready for people to find you.

Here a few quick tips to help you polish your timeline:

  • Add your current job and past experience to your profile
  • Virtually stalk yourself and see how you come off to potential employers
  • Post interesting, thoughtful things on your wall
  • Get involved in groups that show skills or that future employers might search

3. Find groups that your idols, mentors or potential future bosses are part of and join them.

Don’t
just sign up and then forget about these groups. Get involved and get
heard! This is your chance to make a great first impression on
influencers in your industry, so take advantage. You have the advantage
because you know who they are and they don’t know who you are. Do some
research, find out what they’re interested in and engage them in smart,
interesting conversations that help you stand out of the crowd. Next
time you’re looking for a job and they see your name on the resume,
they’ll recognize your name and want to take a second look.

4. Stay in touch with old coworkers.

Let
old friends and coworkers know if/when you’re interested in potentially
switching jobs. This can be very simple since Facebook makes keeping up
with these groups easier than ever. Post on their walls or invite them
to your birthday party, even if you haven’t spoken to them in a little
while. Don’t be afraid to create events, such as a former employees
reunion to get everyone together and catch up on where they are working
now. With Facebook Graph Search, it’s now easier than ever to see what
mutual friends and shared interests you have in common. Finding common
ground makes it easier to mention that you are looking for a job, even
if you don’t like networking. And staying in touch means that coworkers
and friends will think of you when positions open up. But just remember:
don’t make your status that you want a new job because your boss will
definitely hear!

Summer Delaney is a blogger at Grovo.com, an
online training platform for everything from Google Analytics training
to Facebook Timeline help.