Solo Mom Looking for a Job?


Solo Mom Looking for a Job?

Image credit: Shutterstock

Look no further than Facebook!

When I applied for my first job, I spent two days driving around town, picking up job applications, filling them out, and then delivering them back to the appropriate businesses. Today, however, thanks to technology and the many online resources available (job postings on company websites, Monster, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.), job seekers have access to hundreds of job listings and can apply for jobs from the comfort of their living rooms. For those dedicated to their job search, the chances of finding a job quickly are much greater. That said, even with the seemingly limitless employment resources available, the process can still be mentally exhausting and feel overwhelming. As of August 2017, according to the Washington Post, the number of unemployed Americans hit 7 million yet their were 6.2 million job openings. Why is that? It could be that many Americans are simply giving up in their efforts to find a job because they’re frustrated. Facebook’s new job search feature may be the answer. Below I address some of the questions you may have.

How do I find time to search for a new job?

Although many Solo Moms may have jobs they love, many more are working in positions they otherwise wouldn’t out of necessity. If you’re in the latter category, you’re likely always trying to find time to look at job listings. Now, with Facebook’s new Job Postings feature, finding time to browse listings is easier than ever. You can browse right from the Facebook app and even apply to some of the jobs with your Facebook profile and job history, though most listings specify that you e-mail the employer directly or direct applicants to a website to apply. This has been a complete game changer for me, as I find myself browsing through the listings in my downtime, saving those that I’m interested in, and following up on them after the kids go to bed.

How could using this feature impact the way I use social media?

Using this feature should minimally affect the way you use social media, as most listings ask that you apply through e-mail or the company website. However, smaller companies may ask that you apply through the app first, and if you do, they will be able to see your Facebook profile and anything that you share publicly. The best thing to do is to go to your Privacy settings and select “Limit Past Posts” so that they’re set to friends only. Additionally, you’ll want to browse through your profile and cover photos and delete anything that you wouldn’t want your grandma to see. Some people also use false (but believable) last names to help protect their identities during job searches. Finally, if you do not want potential employers to find you at all on Facebook (and they will look for you!), be sure to update your search preferences to control who is able to search for you using your cell-phone number and e-mail address.

Can you actually get a job using Facebook?

Absolutely. I was hired by the law office I work at through a Facebook job listing. Additionally, all the interviews I’ve gone on in preparation for my next move have been for positions that I’ve found on Facebook. Although I also use LinkedIn and other field-specific message boards to search for opportunities, Facebook has surprisingly outdone them in terms of the variety of positions in my field that it offers and that I’m qualified for. Until recently, finding that variety of offerings has been hard for me. Numerous opportunities are available in other fields as well, ranging from entry-level positions to management and directorships.

How do I use Facebook for job searching?

Thankfully, it is extremely easy. First, look at your tabs, which you can bring up on the app by selecting the three horizontal lines in the bottom right-hand corner, or look on the left side of the screen if you’re using a computer. From there, go to the “Explore” section, and scroll down to Jobs. After you select Jobs, choose a location and mile radius if you’d like to browse in a different area than what the default selection is for you. You can also narrow it down by industry; full- and part-time positions; and internship, contract, and volunteer positions. Finally, you can save job listings, which is one of the best features of this service because you can save those you are interested in, continue browsing, and refer back to them later when you have more time to spend on the application process for each.

If you would have asked me three years ago if we “needed” Facebook job listings, I would have laughed and said no because there are already so many websites dedicated to job listings. However, I have to say that Facebook has done really well in this area, and I’m thankful to have such an easy way to browse for jobs in my downtime—and that employers are using it!

Looking for work? You might be interested in this article: “How to Handle Those Pesky Résumé Gaps.”


Tara Glenn is a Solo Mom of four who currently resides in Pensacola, Florida. She has a background in public affairs, writing, and photography. Tara spent five years in the Navy and now volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol as a public affairs officer. She enjoys working with small businesses as a ghostwriter as well as encouraging her children’s love for aviation in her free time—the running joke being that she only creates pilots, as all of her children love to fly!

Please feel free to contact us with any comments or questions.


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