How to use social media to land your next job

Love it or hate it, networking is an integral part of professional life. But especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more networking is happening in virtual spaces. Conferences and events are increasingly being hosted on digital platforms, while the rise of LinkedIn has changed the way we communicate with fellow professionals and apply for jobs. LinkedIn has experienced tremendous growth over the last couple of years — with the number of users increasing from 644 million in 2019 to 771 million in 2024 — and has become the number one platform for professional interactions online. Given its importance, Devex has hosted several events on how global development professionals can make the most of the platform, highlighting why it is critical to engage with content and the value of being helpful to other users. We even put together a simple guide on everything you need to know about making LinkedIn an intrinsic part of your networking strategy. With the opportunity to connect with passionate professionals, recruiters, and potential clients from around the globe, LinkedIn is not the only social media platform where professional relationships are being built. More and more content is being created on Facebook and TikTok that is geared toward advancing your career. As social media networks seep into our personal and professional lives, we asked our audience on the social platforms we are active on: How do you use social media as part of your networking strategy? <iframe src="https://www.linkedin.com/embed/feed/update/urn:li:share:7193585688225710080" height="746" width="504" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Embedded post"></iframe> We got a wide array of responses from career experts and coaches on how to make the most of social media when it comes to career development, as well as their limitations. Showcasing your work and maintaining connections Social media platforms are a channel to showcase your past work and expertise, especially if you are actively job searching, said Susanne Barsoum, founder and CEO of KeyLime, a consulting firm specializing in business development services for international development organizations. She highlights the importance of consistent posting, whether the content of your blog or creating content around topics that you are knowledgeable about or interested in. “You may not get tons of likes the first time, but don't be discouraged,” she said. Consistent posting allows you to build a loyal follower base that could lead to opportunities down the road. And networking does not solely need to focus on creating new connections. Social impact coach Spencer Campbell highlights the invaluable opportunity that social media platforms offer in allowing users to re-activate “older connections that are a bit stale.” Keeping in touch with peers from your school or university can provide leads for future opportunities — especially if you are pursuing a career related to your studies. This is echoed by international coach Simone Anzböck, who also sees social media as “a way to make new connections or deepen former connections.” Campbell also draws parallels between job hunting and sales: "Time and expertise is the product, and your new employer is the customer.” You can make the most of social media to reach out to your network for job leads, using your profile as a platform and posts to market yourself to recruiters and reach out to our connections for job leads. Social media does not have it all Before you get too carried away with using social media platforms for networking purposes, it is important to remember their limitations. While she acknowledges the rise of groups on Facebook designed for professional networking, professional development writing coach Kathryn Harper argues that social media platforms “can't do all of the necessary, meaningful, authentic and effective networking for you.” Even though they can be used to your advantage, she maintains that “success is about standing out, not fitting in, and not following the crowd.” So there you have it. And while social media is certainly valuable, it is important to remember that a networking strategy is built up of many different elements, and relying on one tool or approach will not guarantee success. So, while the world is becoming ever more digital, conference rooms and networking drinks will not be a thing of the past anytime soon. Interested in the topic? We sat down with Anzböck to answer Devex Career Account members’ questions on how to make the most of LinkedIn, as well as hosted an event on how to stand out on the platform through content creation.