Facebook’s back in the job game, and this time it’s playing for the little guys. Meta, the tech titan behind the social media giant, has decided to resurrect Facebook Jobs, a feature that first saw the light of day in 2017, only to fade away in 2023. But now, it’s making a comeback with a more local, blue-collar focus.
Forget about those elusive “remote blockchain NFT strategist” roles. Facebook Jobs 2.0 is all about connecting you with gigs at your local restaurant, trade work, and entry-level positions. The new Jobs tab is nestled right inside Facebook Marketplace, where you’d usually find people selling everything from used furniture to suspiciously cheap electronics.
Businesses can now post job openings directly on their pages, and Meta promises that these listings will also pop up in relevant Facebook groups. After all, that’s where many of us were already finding local jobs, right?
But not everyone’s invited to the party. Meta’s updated rules draw the line at adult services, drug-related jobs, and even in-person childcare. So, no hiring a babysitter through the new tool, but you can definitely find someone to work the fry station at your burger joint.
Early listings in cities like Seattle suggest that small businesses are using it like a digital “Help Wanted” sign. And that’s right up Facebook’s alley, connecting people locally, whether it’s about jobs or that mysterious helicopter circling the neighborhood at 10 PM.
This reboot comes with a bit of baggage, though. The original Facebook Jobs feature got caught up in a controversy when some advertisers used it to exclude people from seeing job ads based on gender or religion. But Meta says this new version comes with stricter anti-discrimination policies to prevent that kind of targeting.
The refreshed Facebook Jobs feature is rolling out today, but for now, it’s only available in the US. It’s Meta’s latest attempt to make Facebook more useful, or at least, a little more relevant than just birthday reminders and marketplace scams. So, if you’re on the hunt for a new gig, keep an eye out!
