Facebook Unveils 'Locals Only' Hiring Platform For EPA Residents

MENLO PARK, CA — With the goal of connecting Facebook's neighbors with employment opportunities at the company, the tech giant recently rolled out a new tool. The 'Access' local talent program aims to better connect residents in Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, and East Palo Alto with Facebook hiring staff.

'Access' operates as a web portal into the company. Users must sign up for the free service, which they can do via their email address, LinkedIn profile — or of course through their Facebook profile. Once registered, they can upload their resume and get "increased visibility" in front of hiring managers, company representatives say.

"We want to make sure that we open up those doors in terms of local opportunities for the community," Facebook Public Policy Manager Juan Salazar tells Patch.

Salazar says the idea for the new tool, which soft-launched on Sept. 3o, came about through discussions with local Peninsula leaders.

"Economic opportunity; that's one of the key things that's been mentioned to us from our neighbors," he says. "How can we better connect them to opportunities at our campus?"

Facebook will often see thousands of applications from all over the world for a single position. 'Access' will help the company make sure that if an area resident applies for one of those positions, they don't slip through the cracks.

"It's creating a pathway for local residents," Salazar says.

'Access' isn't just for tech jobs, either. Salazar says the tool will also connect applicants with positions at various vendors who operate on the Facebook campus. Some examples include Hines Facilities, ABM Janitorial and Allied Universal Security.

"We're really excited about this program," Salazar says. "This is about us meeting the community... and through as much as we're growing as a company, that we can still connect to our community."

Click here to check out the new Facebook 'Access' tool.

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Image from a job fair held on Sept. 30, 2017, at Facebook’s HQ in Menlo Park / Courtesy of Facebook