Did you know that 5.07 billion people use social media worldwide? That’s 63% of the global population! In the United States, this number increases to 72.2%, with 246 million people using at least one social media platform.
Social media has become a significant part of everyone’s lives. From having only 5% of U.S. adults active on social media back in 2005 to having over 70% of U.S. adults active today, social media has seen a significant increase in activity over the last 20 years. Today, individuals are making six figures being social media influencers just by posting daily on these platforms. Now, not only can you make money off of social media, but you may be able to find your next job using it.
In recent years, social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn have challenged traditional job boards by becoming key players in local job searches. If you went on Facebook a few years ago, you could find more than 100 job openings posted. However, in February 2023, Facebook discontinued its job board, allowing other platforms like LinkedIn to strengthen their dual role as both a social media platform and a job search site. But job postings aren’t the only way social media can aid your job search. Here are other ways these platforms can help you find your future career:
One of the primary reasons to use social media for job hunting is to showcase yourself to potential employers. As we look ahead, traditional resumes may become obsolete or undergo significant changes in the next 10 to 20 years. To prepare, take the time to refine your social media profiles for prospective employers. Remove any outdated or inappropriate photos and posts, and most importantly, update your LinkedIn page. LinkedIn is the premier platform for job seekers, with over 90% of recruiters using it daily to source candidates.
Social media is an excellent tool for expanding your network. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter) offer unparalleled opportunities to get your name out there and connect with others. Before social media, there wasn’t an easy way to contact someone in a company without meeting them in person or coming across their email online. Now, contacting anyone is just a click away.
To build your network effectively, we recommend connecting with professionals in your field. For example, if you’re a Marketing Coordinator in Providence, connect with other Marketing Coordinators and Marketing Managers in the area. However, don’t immediately ask for a job after connecting. Instead, take the time to learn about them, their career paths, and more. Building genuine relationships can open up more opportunities for you.
Finding More Jobs To Apply To
Many of these social media platforms opened their own job boards for job seekers to find jobs. Initially, these job boards weren’t too successful in gaining traction. However, due to Indeed and ZipRecruiter raising costs to post jobs, these social media platforms have become the free alternative to recruit talent.
While it may feel like an invasion of privacy, some companies still habitually review your social media accounts to determine if you’re a good fit. In these cases, it’s essential to present yourself in the best light. Highlight your recent accomplishments, whether it’s a promotion at your current job or an award from school. Sharing these achievements can significantly boost your visibility and demonstrate your value to potential employers. The more you engage on social media, the greater the chance someone will recognize your worth.
Enhancing your social media profiles can greatly benefit your job search. To illustrate its impact, a study found that 122 million people received an interview through LinkedIn, with 35.5 million being hired by someone they connected with on the site. As social media becomes the dominant method for job hunting, it’s wise to optimize your accounts sooner rather than later.