Social Media & The Candidate Experience: How Social Platforms Are Playing a Bigger Role

Social media has moved beyond just entertainment—now, it’s also a dynamic in reshaping career trajectories and empowering individuals in their pursuit of professional fulfillment. While professional networking platforms like LinkedIn have long been recognized as essential tools in job hunting, it is now part of a bigger ecosystem with social platforms that are geared towards true social engagement playing a role. In fact, a new study from livestreaming app LiveMe found that 38% of people are using Facebook, 31% are turning to LiveMe, 16% are on Instagram, and 12% are spending time on TikTok to explore job prospects.

Why This Is Happening

These truly social platforms offer distinct advantages, including enhanced community engagement, direct interaction with companies, and access to informal job postings that may not be readily available through traditional channels. Also, many people find these interactions and shared content are more authentic compared to LinkedIn, which—while essential for job searching—is often seen as more focused on professional networking and self-promotion.

Also, social media isn’t just being used for background information gathering either; it has become an indispensable resource for daily career advice and guidance. LiveMe’s study uncovered that 55% of job seekers rely on social media platforms for their daily dose of professional insights. Whether it’s following industry leaders, participating in specialized groups, or consuming career-related content, social media provides a new avenue for accessing a wealth of information and expertise. This also underscores the diversity of voices shaping career decisions, with nearly half of people indicating that they have received invaluable career advice from sources outside of LinkedIn.

How It Happens in the Real World

Consider, for instance, a marketing professional seeking to carve out a niche in the competitive landscape of digital marketing. They can demonstrate their creativity and expertise through visually enticing content on TikTok and Instagram. At the same time, actively engaging with industry communities on platforms like LinkedIn allows people to develop meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and stay aware of emerging trends. By having a presence on several different channels, people can position themselves as thought leaders within their sphere of influence, enhancing their professional credibility and visibility.

In addition to cultivating a strong personal brand, candidates can leverage social media to conduct thorough research on prospective employers. With a staggering 91% of respondents affirming the influence of social media on their decision to apply for a job, it is evident that HR teams need to partner with marketing and social teams to build a strong social presence that feels authentic to the brand. This may include partnering with influencers and creating thought leaders from within the employee base to meet candidates where they are.

How Candidates Can Leverage Their Own Social Presence

For candidates, consistency is paramount in maintaining a cohesive personal brand across all their social media profiles. By ensuring alignment in profile aesthetics, messaging, and content strategy, candidates can reinforce their professional identity and enhance their credibility in the eyes of prospective employers. Proactively soliciting recommendations and endorsements from colleagues, clients, and mentors serves as a powerful testament to a candidate’s skills and accomplishments, further bolstering their online presence and credibility—helping them rise to the top of recruiters’ lists. They should also share their work (if allowed) or successes from their careers to give recruiters a sense of their accomplishments.

As the hiring landscape continues to evolve, embracing the multifaceted potential of social media is essential. By leaning into the power of social media, job seekers can unlock a world of opportunities, establish their professional brand, and potentially realize their career aspirations. Social media isn’t just a tool—it’s a true force in empowering individuals to chart their own paths to professional success.

For companies looking to attract and reach this new wave of talent, it is crucial to understand and adapt to these changes. Here are some actionable strategies:

1. Build an Authentic Social Media Presence: Companies need to establish a genuine and engaging presence on social media platforms where job seekers are active. This means not just promoting job openings, but also sharing behind-the-scenes content, employee stories, and company culture highlights to provide a holistic view of the organization.
2. Leverage Influencers and Employee Advocates: Partner with industry influencers and encourage employees to share their work experiences on their personal social media accounts. This can help humanize the brand and make it more relatable to potential candidates.
3. Engage in Direct Communication: Leverage the interactive features on various platforms to communicate directly with potential candidates. Q&A sessions, live chats, and interactive posts can help address candidates’ questions and concerns in real-time.
4. Utilize Visual and Video Content: Embrace the power of video and visual content to capture attention. Create engaging content that showcases the workplace, team activities, and professional development opportunities within the organization.
5. Monitor and Respond to Feedback: Actively monitor social media for feedback about your company and respond promptly. This shows that the company values input and is willing to engage in conversations, enhancing its reputation as an employer of choice.
6. Highlight Career Development Opportunities: Share stories and testimonials about career growth within the company. Highlighting training programs, mentorship opportunities, and success stories can attract ambitious candidates looking for growth.

By implementing these strategies, companies can effectively reach and attract top talent in today’s social media-driven job market. As job seekers continue to navigate their careers through various social media channels, companies that adapt to these new trends will be well-positioned to attract the best candidates and build a strong, dynamic workforce.

Iman Abdelaal is Director of Operations at LiveMe. She is an accomplished professional with vast experience in the media and entertainment industry. For the past six months, she has been a vital part of the leading live broadcasting and social networking platform that is LiveMe.  

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