Getting a job at Facebook without any prior experience can seem daunting, but it’s certainly possible with the right approach. Facebook is one of the world’s leading technology companies and a highly desirable place to work, so competition for jobs is fierce. However, there are ways to improve your chances if you’re willing to put in the effort.
1. Get the Right Education
While a college degree isn’t an absolute requirement to work at Facebook, having a degree in a relevant field like Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Business will make you a stronger candidate. Study hard and aim for top grades, especially in technical courses that relate directly to the work you’d be doing at Facebook.
If you don’t have a college degree yet, consider enrolling in an associate or technical degree program at a community college. Focus on classes that will teach you useful job skills like programming, data analysis, and digital marketing. Graduating with a solid educational foundation will help offset your lack of hands-on work experience.
2. Build Your Technical Skills
Most jobs at Facebook require coding and technical prowess. Spend time improving your skills in areas like:
- Programming languages like Java, Python, C++
- Front-end web development skills (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Back-end skills like Node.js and databases
- Mobile app development for Android and iOS
- Data analysis using SQL, R, and machine learning
Take courses online via sites like Coursera, Udemy, and edX. Build your own projects and apps to practice and create a portfolio. Contribute to open source projects on GitHub to showcase your skills for recruiters.
3. Attend Hackathons
Hackathons are coding events where programmers collaborate intensively over a short period to create functioning apps and programs. Attending hackathons is a great way to get experience and grow your skills quickly.
Facebook itself sponsors and attends many hackathons. Competing at one gives you valuable hands-on coding practice. It also lets you network directly with Facebook employees. If your hackathon project impresses them, it could lead to a job offer down the road.
4. Learn In-Demand Skills
Certain skills are particularly sought-after at tech companies like Facebook right now. Targeting these key areas will make your resume stand out:
- Data Science – Learn SQL, Python (NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-Learn), R, machine learning, deep learning
- Full Stack Development – Master front-end and back-end programming languages and frameworks
- Mobile Development – Build apps for Android and iOS devices
- Cloud Computing – Get certified in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
- UI/UX Design – Learn design tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite
Having proven skills in one of these high-demand areas makes you much more hireable, even without formal work experience.
5. Do Freelance Projects
Freelancing allows you to build real products and services for clients, even without a full-time job. Having freelance experience shows you can handle professional projects and work with technology independently.
Sign up for sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to find freelance gigs. Offer discounted rates at first as you build up your portfolio. Save and document all the projects you complete to showcase your abilities.
6. Network and Use Connections
Networking is pivotal for landing any job, but especially one at a prestigious company like Facebook. Attend local tech meetups and events to connect with engineers and recruiters. Reach out for informational interviews to pick people’s brains about working at the company.
Tap into your existing connections too. Let friends, family, professors, and alumni from your college know you’re looking to break into Facebook. Ask if they can refer you to any current employees or hiring managers.
7. Apply for Internships
Facebook hires thousands of interns every year across its different business functions. Though highly competitive, internships are often the best way to get your foot in the door without full-time experience.
Internships allow you to gain hands-on training in your field of interest at Facebook. Impress your team and manager, and you may be converted to a full-time employee when your internship ends.
8. Highlight Transferable Skills
If you have work experience in another industry, identify transferable skills from past jobs that apply. For example, customer service demonstrates communication abilities. Project coordination shows organization. Data entry and analysis provides attention to detail.
Quantify your accomplishments too. Working in sales? Highlight the dollar amount you generated in revenue. Managed a restaurant? Note how you improved efficiency or cut costs.
9. Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews
When you land an interview, rigorous preparation will be necessary. Expect complex technical questions testing your coding proficiency. Be ready to talk extensively about your past projects and experience. Practice extensively using resources like:
- CoderPad – Live coding environment for technical interviews
- Interviewing.io – Practice mock interviews anonymously
- Pramp – Peer-to-peer interview prep platform
- LeetCode, HackerRank, CodeWars – Programming challenge websites
Also, thoroughly research Facebook’s business, company culture, and the role you’re applying for. Demonstrating passion and knowledge can make up for lack of direct experience.
10. Apply Widely and Follow Up
When applying to Facebook jobs, cast a wide net. Look beyond just your dream job title or team. Consider positions you may be reasonably qualified for where your existing skills are a good fit. The key is getting your resume through the door.
After applying, follow up politely via email if you don’t hear back after a week. This shows initiative and enthusiasm. Continue following up periodically to remind the recruiter or hiring manager of your interest.
11. Consider Contract or Temporary Positions
Contract and temp work is another route to full-time employment at Facebook. The company frequently hires for temporary engineering and business roles. While the work is time-bound, it gets your foot in the door.
Many contractors move into permanent roles after successfully completing their initial assignments. Be sure to perform well and develop strong working relationships during your contract period.
12. Start as Customer Support
For non-technical roles like sales, marketing, and operations, applying for customer service positions can lead to advancement. Facebook’s Dublin office is a good place to look, as they have thousands of customer support reps.
Gaining sales or customer support experience equips you with knowledge about Facebook’s products and business. After a year or two of strong performance, you can move laterally into other departments.
13. Get Certified in Facebook Products
Facebook offers many product certifications related to Facebook Ads, Blueprint, and Instagram. Earning these certifications shows mastery of important platforms for marketers.
Certification exams are free and self-paced online. Passing them signals to recruiters that you know the ins and outs of key Facebook and Instagram tools. This can help you stand out for marketing roles.
Facebook Blueprint Certifications
- Facebook Marketing Science Foundations
- Audience Research Foundation
- Ad Design Foundations
- Facebook Media Buying Foundations
Facebook Ads Certifications
- Facebook Certified Buying Professional
- Facebook Certified Media Planner
- Facebook Certified Planning Professional
- Facebook Certified Associate Marketing Science
Instagram Certifications
- Instagram Shopping
- Instagram Marketing
- Instagram Video Ads
14. Join Facebook Groups
Joining industry groups related to Facebook helps you learn about job openings and expand your professional network. Here are some good Facebook groups to check out:
- Facebook Developer Circle
- Facebook Marketing Partners
- Partner Engineer Group
- Design at Facebook
- Facebook Business Community
Participate regularly in discussions happening in the groups. Get to know members who already work at Facebook and can offer career advice or refer you to open roles.
15. Follow Facebook Careers on Social Media
Follow the Facebook Careers page on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook itself. This lets you stay on top of new job postings and events happening locally.
Connect with recruiters from the company on LinkedIn too. Liking and commenting on their posts can help them remember your name when you eventually apply. Their posts may also contain tips for getting hired at the company.
Conclusion
Getting hired at Facebook without prior professional experience is certainly challenging but completely doable. Excellent education, targeted technical skills, and obsessive preparation are key. Be persistent in applying, networking, and following up to increase your chances.
Remember that the first job is the hardest, so look for opportunities like internships and contracts to get your foot in the door. Once you’ve spent a year or two at Facebook on your resume, more and more doors will open up.