73% of job seekers aged 18-34 found their last job through social media and 70% of managers have had success hiring through social media (Flynn 2023).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, and it is difficult to imagine a world without them. In recent years, social media has transformed the way we communicate, connect, and interact with others. In recent years, social media has played a significant role in the tech space and in the job market in a way that is used to connect more solution based companies to their users, consumers and even potential employees.
In this blog article, we will explore the role of social media in the tech space and job market and how it has impacted the industry.
How Does Social Media Impact the Tech Space?
Social media has revolutionised the way we interact with technology. The regular person owns a social media account and operates these platforms with ease. It has opened up new channels of communication, collaboration, and innovation, especially with public figures whom users may need to share occasional feedback with. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn have created new opportunities for tech companies to engage with their customers, build brand awareness, generate leads and increase sales.
One of the most significant impacts of social media on the tech space has been the rise of user-generated content. Users now have the power to create and share content that can shape the development of new products and services. This has led to the emergence of a new class of innovators who are using social media to drive innovation and create new products and services.
Many tech solution based companies have adopted social media marketing for their products, by appealing to the younger generation of humans who spend most of their time online. This in return boosts sales and customer acquisition, because customers who have used these marketed products are able to share their reviews and experiences with their followers. In the end, the brand or product gets more recognition and is able to improve their service because of the feedback.
Social media has also created new opportunities for collaboration and networking, especially in the job industry. Platforms like LinkedIn have become a key tool for professionals and even recruiters in the tech space, to connect with others in their industry, share knowledge, and build meaningful relationships. This has led to the emergence of new communities and groups that are driving innovation and collaboration, especially for the younger generation who may be getting acquainted with the workforce after their education.
What is the Role of Social Media in the Job Market?
Social media has had a significant impact on the job market. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook have created new opportunities for job seekers to connect with potential employers and showcase their skills and experience. Users of these platforms are also able to share posts and tweets about seeking employment opportunities for themselves, and such posts are re-shared in hopes of a positive outcome.
According to Zippa, 57% of job seekers use social media in their job search. 73% of job seekers aged 18-34 found their last job through social media. 84% of organisations are recruiting through social media. 67% of employers use social media sites to research potential job candidates. 70% of managers have had success hiring through social media. 94% of recruiters use social media (Flynn 2023).
LinkedIn has become a key tool for recruiters and hiring managers to find and vet potential candidates. With over 700 million users, LinkedIn has become a massive database of talent that is easily searchable and accessible to companies and recruiters. This has made it easier for recruiters to find and connect with candidates who have the right skill sets and experience for their open positions.
Social media has also created new opportunities for job seekers to showcase their skills and experience by sharing their work, portfolios and describing their collaborations with brands. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram have become popular tools for digital creators and artists to showcase their work and build a loyal following. This has opened up new opportunities for creators to build a personal brand and attract new job opportunities with companies who sponsor their posts and generate leads from their (the creator’s) audience.
The Impact of Social Media on Hiring Practices
Social media has largely impacted the way that hiring practices are conducted. Employers are increasingly using social media to research and vet potential candidates. According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates before making a hiring decision. This can either be a positive or negative phenomenon depending on the candidate’s social media presence, their values, beliefs and personal posts.
While social media can be a powerful tool for employers to research and vet candidates, it can also be a double-edged sword. Social media profiles can reveal information about a candidate that may be considered unprofessional or inappropriate. This can lead to candidates being disqualified from consideration, even if they have the right skills and experience for the job. Alternatively, companies may require candidates to remain apolitical, refrain from controversial topics and adhere strictly to company rules. Other companies may be indifferent towards their candidate’s social media presence, so this remains a case of “to each their own”. Either way, it is important to consider these realities in 2023 and subsequent years.
What Is The Way Forward?
Social media has had a significant impact on the tech space and job market. It has created new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and networking, and has opened up new channels of communication between employers and job seekers. However, it has also changed the way hiring practices are conducted and has led to new challenges for candidates who need to carefully manage their social media presence.
Young people getting into the workforce need to remain updated on the trends of the industries that they wish to get into. Many young people have gravitated towards the tech industry in recent times. Many of such tech institutions and companies have a social media presence, which enables their audience to connect with them easily.
The NextGen Academy is one of such institutions, where young people are trained by the best facilitators, to have in-demand tech talents such as web development, coding, programming and product design. Connect with us on Instagram and Twitter for tips on becoming a well rounded talent in the tech industry.
As we continue to move forward in the digital age, it is likely that social media will continue to play a significant role in the tech space and job market. It is important for job seekers and employers alike to be aware of the impact of social media and to use it effectively to achieve their goals. It is also important for users to take advantage of social media to build personal and professional brands for themselves, and maintain good relationships with companies in different industries.
