Branch Out started out as a Facebook app where users could upload their resume, connect with Facebook friends on a professional level, and search for jobs.

Personal meets professional on Branch Out

With over 25% of employees admitting to checking potential employees Facebook pages before hiring them, it seems any belief that our personal (Facebook) and professional (Linked In) lives could be separated was somewhat optimistic.

Profile

Assuming your Facebook settings are appropriately closed, you can adjust your Branch Out profile to present your best professional self, complete with a different profile picture. There is a simple import button for your resume, and for the most part, it identifies and enters information correctly.

Friends

Branch Out will prompt you to invite your Facebook friends to connect with you on Branch Out. It's an easy process, just check that you're comfortable with the conditions (you can uncheck the box allowing the app to post to your Facebook timeline automatically).

Linked In

There was a time when you could import information from Linked In to Branch Out, but unsurprisingly it wasn’t long before the API was retracted.

Branch Out currently focusses on job search, contacts and news feed. Linked In retains some advantages in dedicated groups and other popular features considered more appropriate to the platform (like slideshare). As Branched Out operates in Facebook though, it’s logical to use Facebook’s group feature to connect with Branch Out contacts, and no doubt equivalent app offerings are or will be available.

A numbers game

Regardless of which platform you prefer, like everything in the digital space, where you interact depends on where your audience is.

The fact that Branch Out operates in the Facebook environment is a huge advantage, just in the past week Facebook saw 115 million visits to Linked In’s 1 million.* Even considering the broader demographic of Facebook, and the fact that not all Facebook users are using Branch Out, it’s a significant difference.

Job Search

Whilst still quite USA-focused it is possible to search for and post Australian jobs on Branch Out and results are accurate and well-populated.

Leads

Branch Out allows users to search their contacts for individuals at particular companies, meaning finding introductions for employment or sales can be facilitated.

Future

Whilst Branch Out may not be a serious competitor for Linked In in Australia in the short term, it’s certainly one to watch.

*Experian Hitwise