Job searching on Facebook is a relatively new phenomenon, but there's no scarcity of apps to help. And with Facebook confirming 750 million members and announcing Skype video chat integration today, the platform is ripe for further advances in the job search space.
Many, many media outlets covered the launch of Monster.com's BeKnown in June, but I decided to wait -- and then write a single piece that covered all the major apps. After all, I've been advising job seekers for years to use all resources and tools available to them in their searches, so they should really know there's more than one app out there.
Best Features: The ability to "follow" companies. Also, in addition to regular endorsements (think LinkedIn), BeKnown offers "skills endorsements." Basically, it pulls your skills from your profile, and people are able to vouch for certain areas of your expertise.
Biggest Hangup: BeKnown only pulls job opportunities from Monster.com. Although they complained about LinkedIn pulling their API access last week, Monster is essentially committing the same "offense" -- not playing with others in the sandbox. One way to fix this problem would be to highlight or feature Monster jobs, but still pull in from other sources. We'll see how the app develops in the coming weeks and months.
Best Features: I love that BranchOut offers users the ability to track their applications, send messages to other users, and pulls job opportunities from multiple online sources using Indeed.
Biggest Hangup: Spam. Once you install the BranchOut app, it's like a weed that cannot be killed, taking over your Facebook status updates and sending messages to your friends. I guess at least your network connections have no question about your job status though, right?
Best Features: Like BranchOut, Bright offers the ability to send messages to other users. Also, Bright features employer reviews, which is definitely a standout feature.
Biggest Hangup: Like BeKnown, jobs are only pulled from one source, in this case CareerBuilder. Additionally, users do not receive suggested jobs and are not able to post their own jobs.
Best Features: Cachinko pulls jobs from multiple sources, but what I really love is the suggested jobs. When you initially install the app, it asks you for your ideal job title. Using that information, plus your profile, Cachinko assembles a list of "jobs you'll love." The more feedback you give the app ("less jobs like this" or "more jobs like this"), the more it learns about you and gives you jobs better suited to you.
Biggest Hangup: There's really no incentive right now for employers to jump on the app and get involved. Also, I'd like to see them offer access to career coaches and other experts.
Best Features: Like BranchOut, InTheDoor pulls in jobs from multiple online sources using Indeed. I wish I could say something nicer here, but this app is about as simple as it gets.
Biggest Hangup: The app is basically Indeed on Facebook and nothing more. If it wants to continue to compete in this space, it's really going to have to step up its game.
Best Features: This app is meant for college students. Even though it doesn't have the robust features of many of the apps listed here, I love that it helps career centers get on Facebook.
Biggest Hangup: As you might have guessed, JobsForMe only pulls in career center job listings...and only if your career center has an account. But I think this app has potential in the space if it gets more traction from career centers.
Best Features: Unlike all the other apps mentioned in this article, StartWire allows users to receive free guidance and expert advice from a cadre of job search experts. Also, the app tracks your applications.
Biggest Hangup: I like where this app is headed, but it's very limited right now in terms of the source of job listings.
I'm sure more Facebook apps for job seekers will pop up in the near future (JobsForMe actually sent me their launch release while I was writing this article!), and the ones mentioned above will continue to improve. I'll be interested to see how long each one takes to gain traction with job seekers, as many are still cautious about mixing personal and professional on Facebook.
Are there any apps missing from this list? What has your experience been with these apps?