Facebook has been doing a little spring cleaning of late.

Okay, a LOT of spring cleaning.

Not much new there, except that most of their recent updates are geared towards Page owners and, as such, anyone using Facebook to recruit. Yes, that’s you! Not only that, but one of these updates is the re-introduction of a truly fantastic recruiting tool, and another marks a complete shift in how you use Facebook ads to promote your job posts, and target candidates.

Here’s what you need to know about Facebook’s most recent updates

Important

Facebook has (finally) updated their Pages manager for IOS. As a Page manager you may now Pin and unpin posts to the top of your Timeline, make photos from your Timeline and albums your profile image, and create and edit events from your iPad.

Pages got a re-vamp. Well, most peoples’ Pages did! If your Page hasn't been updated yet, it should happen shortly.

Here’s what you’ll notice:

• A new layout with the right column of your Page displaying your Timeline, and the left column dedicated to information about your brand. This information will depend on your business, but you’ll likely see details about Page Likes, posts, apps, and video along with contact information including a map, and hours of operation.

• Apps will be displayed less prominently, in the left column, or under the “More” tab in the navigation menu.

• A “This Week Box”, which contains new messages and Likes, information about your current ad campaigns, and unread notifications.

For the new FB Page layout dimensions check out this article by Inside Facebook

Very Important

You can now Facebook stalk your competition automatically and in complete secrecy. The new “Pages to Watch” feature allows you to select up to five pages to monitor. Facebook does notify Page managers that they are being watched, but doesn't tell them by whom, so your secret is safe!

I have my five, do you have yours?

MOST Important

Facebook ads have changed a LOT!

Facebook will no longer be offering sponsored stories starting on April 9th.

When I first heard this, I must admit, I was pretty grumpy! Until I read FB’s explanation and learned that they plan on adding social context to ALL Facebook ads. Social context is pretty much the key to FB ads’ high ROI, so now I’m totally okay with it.

The Core Audiences feature of Facebook ads is now much more widely available even more targeted than before. This is great for recruiters because it allows you to target potential candidates by location, demographic, interests, and behaviors.

Here’s a breakdown of all the recent changes to the Core Audiences feature

Lookalike Audiences are back, and now they bring some serious value for your Page! You can use this feature to generate multiple Lookalike audiences with which to target users similar to your pre-existing fan-base. This is an incredible way to insure that the jobs you promote with Facebook ads get seen by your target market.

Here’s a detailed explanation of how you can use Facebook Lookalike Audiences

I’m sure that as soon as I publish this blog post there will be at least ten new Facebook updates I wish I had included!

How do you stay on top of the ever evolving medium that is social media?

Oh, and just in case you didn't know; the best way to spring clean your Facebook recruiting is by installing the Jobcast Facebook recruiting app. I'm sure you already knew that though ;)