Meta has brought back job listings on Facebook, marking the return of a feature first launched in 2017 but later discontinued. The new version focuses on helping people find local, entry-level service and trade positions, offering small businesses and individuals a convenient way to connect over work opportunities.
A familiar feature returns
Meta’s decision to reintroduce job postings represents a full-circle moment for Facebook. The company initially launched job listings in the United States and Canada in 2017 before expanding to more than 40 countries the following year. By 2022, Facebook had scaled the feature back to North America and later shut it down completely in 2023.
Now, jobs are making a comeback. Listings appear in the Marketplace tab, where users can browse opportunities much like they would search for second-hand goods or local services. Meta says that job posts may also appear in relevant Facebook groups, making it easier for community members to find nearby work. Businesses with Facebook pages can post openings directly, maintaining the platform’s community-driven nature.
However, only users aged 18 and above can view or apply for jobs, and all listings must comply with Facebook’s posting guidelines. Prohibited categories include adult services, illegal substances, and in-person childcare roles — the latter being a surprising restriction given the popularity of nanny and babysitting groups on the platform.
Encouraging community-based hiring
Early examples from areas such as Seattle suggest small businesses and local employers are embracing the feature. Many use it as a digital alternative to the traditional “Help Wanted” sign, appealing to people looking for immediate, nearby opportunities.
For communities that already rely heavily on Facebook groups for local news and updates, the return of job listings feels like a natural fit. Many residents turn to these groups to ask questions, share events, or discuss local issues, so finding work through the same platform may streamline the process.
Meta’s approach mirrors the company’s broader strategy of reinforcing Facebook’s role as a hub for local connection. While other neighbourhood platforms like Nextdoor cater to similar audiences, Facebook’s vast user base and integrated ecosystem give it a distinct advantage in visibility and engagement.
Addressing past concerns and future plans
The original version of Facebook Jobs faced criticism for how certain organisations used advertising tools to target or exclude specific audiences based on gender, age, or religion. Such practices raised serious concerns about discrimination in job advertising.
Meta has taken steps to address these issues in the new version. The company has stated that all employers using the tool must comply with its updated discrimination policy, which explicitly bans bias in job targeting and visibility. This commitment is part of Meta’s broader effort to improve fairness and transparency across its platforms.
Currently, the reintroduced jobs feature is available only in the United States. Meta has not yet announced whether it plans to expand the service internationally. However, the original rollout in 2018 suggests that a wider release could follow depending on user engagement and demand.
As Facebook continues to evolve its offerings, the revival of job listings highlights the company’s ongoing attempt to balance innovation with community utility — reconnecting users not just socially, but economically as well.
