Looking for a job? Why not apply to one of the world’s trendiest companies, Facebook. Is it possible to get a job there? Yes, but that doesn’t go without saying it’s not going to be easy either. There will be competition and lots of it. Last year Facebook received over 250,000 job applications because it is widely viewed as one of the best employers to work for.
Don’t lose hope. There are still a bunch of ways to make yourself stand out and Thomas Arnold, head of recruiting for the social network, has given some tips on how to increase your chances of getting hired and what Facebook looks for in its potential employees.
What openings are available?
Well, since Facebook announced its expansion into a larger office and received an extra $2 billion in funding, the company has been hiring a lot more.
The social media giant is particularly looking for people who are technically savvy, software engineers, or product managers. Although, there are openings in HR, legal, online operations, communications, business development, design, IT and a couple others.
Facebook’s Interview Process
Facebook has a core format that has remained similar since 2008.
The first step is a recruiter phone-screening applicants. They’ll inquire about your resume and work history, but they are especially interested in what you’ve built on your own and major leadership roles you’ve had. Depending on the job being applied for, there may be a second phone-screening.
If you succeed and pass the phone-screening, Facebook will fly you to its headquarters in Silicon Valley. Here you will go through a series of interviews with the hiring manager and other employees that are on the team you’d potentially be joining. Arnold explains that the interviews are specifically designed to identify whether or not you have have the skill set and if you’ll fit right in their company’s culture. The manager and the group then come together and decide collectively if you’ll be the right fit.
One piece of advice: in any question, always put the user first for all scenarios.
Differentiate Yourself
Facebook is “primarily looking for builders,” Arnold says. The company has a flat environment and is looking for people with an entrepreneurial spirit. Employees who are self motivated and don’t need constant managing are especially attractive.
People who have built projects on their own such as apps or other products are highly sought after by Facebook. Anyone who has built something unique or developed a never before used solution is going to attract attention.
As with any job, make sure you know and understand the company’s vision. Also, make sure you are an active user on Facebook and are familiar with the sites features. If you haven’t used your Facebook in weeks, months, or don’t even have one, you surely won’t be seen as a good fit.
Lastly, remember Facebook wants something that will impress them, but more than that, they want someone who will impress them and fit their company culture.
