Since its launch in 2004, Facebook has become an essential part of many people’s daily lives…
And whether it’s to tell your friends ‘what’s on your mind’, chat via messenger, upload your latest holiday pictures, or even stay up-to-date with the latest news (and/or selfies from your extended family) – the majority of us couldn’t go more than a day without some heavy scrolling.
But would you want to spend as much time at the office as you do on the news feed?
To give you an insight into what it’d be like to be a Facebook employee, here’s what’s it’s like to work there (and our top tips to help you land the job):
The interview process
Facebook’s interview process typically involves a series of four or five phone and face-to-face interviews – the first with a potential colleague who works in your area of expertise.
There, you’ll be tested on your professional experience, cultural fit, technical ability, and passion for the company using a combination of logic-based and hypothetical questions. And although the specific things you’re asked will depend on the role you’re interviewing for, the skills and attributes Facebook want from their employees are generally the same across all fields.
In fact, Facebook’s global head of recruiting, Miranda Kalinowski explains that aside from looking for candidates who are deeply invested in the brand (and have an active Facebook account, obvs) – they also want people who ‘like to build things’, no matter what position they’re hiring for.
And, the best candidates are the ones who demonstrate a high level of drive, curiosity, and most importantly, talent. Essentially, they want people who can create something unique and be able to solve problems while doing it.
In other words, you have to be as similar to Mark Zuckerberg as humanly possible – so think of your interview competition as the Winklevoss twins, and you’ll be on the right track.
The workplace
Facebook’s offices are everything you’d expect from the social media behemoth – that is, if free sweet shops, nap pods, and tiny Instagram shaped meeting rooms that make you feel like a real-life giant are what you had in mind.
And, with an open plan workspace and an array of games (including chess, ping-pong, arcades, and guitar hero) in almost all of their offices, Facebook’s ethos of openness and connectivity clearly shines through amongst their employees as well as their customers.
But it’s the Silicon Valley HQ that really induces the office envy for any non-Facebook employee. Designed with minimalist and industrial themes, the space roughly replicates Mark Zuckerberg’s old university dorm – where he and his co-founders originally dreamed up the idea for Facebook.
That doesn’t mean there’s no room for personalisation though. Facebook also encourage employees to take ownership over their own workspaces (yes, wall graffiti is totally OK here), so there’s a variety of unique self-generated artwork on show – and even a ‘propaganda wing’.
There, you can write your own motivational words of wisdom to have printed and framed.
Because ‘likers gonna like’ etc.
The roles
Facebook offer a variety of roles based in offices all over the world, including the UK.
Although they’re especially looking for technical staff, including software engineers and product managers, they also hire in the following areas:
- Legal
- Marketing
- Admin & HR
- Business development
- User experience
- Design
- Online operations
The employee benefits
Facebook’s most popular benefit amongst its internal reviewers is the quality and amount of free food and drink on offer. Because whether you’re looking for a gourmet meal, a selection of sweets and cupcakes, or an outdoor BBQ – Facebook have got it.
Other benefits could include a free laundry facility, an on-site doctor and hairdresser, free shuttle bus and bike services, and even vending machines filled with essential electronics (e.g. laptop chargers, keyboards) where you can use your employee ID to get what you need instantly.
Many employees also praise the amount of maternity/paternity leave and benefits Facebook provide (including 16 weeks paid time off and babysitting expenses), as well as the generous health insurance package.
Additionally, because Facebook is heavily invested in the professional development of all of its employees, they also offer a vast range of career guidance and training.
The company culture
What’s the best thing about working for one of the biggest social networks in the world?
The people. At least that’s the opinion of the majority of past and present employees – who cite the social environment, open culture, and smart employees as one of the most predominant pros of working there.
Not only are the staff incredibly talented, they’re also invested in improving the product and making a real impact.
As a result of this (along with employees having the freedom to personalise their hours and work flexibly), the atmosphere at Facebook has been described as innovative, fast-moving, and productive.
Employees are encouraged to be open and honest with their ideas, and Facebook makes an effort to connect and unite its staff both on and offsite.
So whether you’re playing school yard games in the local park Facebook rents out every year, or celebrating the social network’s birthday with your very own gift (including watches, socks, and pyjamas) – staying connected (whether it’s with employees or customers) is Facebook’s main goal.
Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now
Image credits
https://qzprod.files.wordpress.com/
