Social media acting as a career adviser for young workers

A recent survey has shown that workers are relying on a wide range of social media platforms to assist them with their career decisions moving forward.

A new survey conducted by Robert Half has revealed that 76 per cent of Aussie workers are relying on social media platforms to make career-related decisions.

The data, to no surprise, also revealed that the younger the generation, the more inclined they were to use these social media platforms as a form of a digital career adviser, with Gen Z being the most avid users, with 85 per cent using it for such decisions. This was followed by Millennials (80 per cent), Gen X (78 per cent) and, lastly, Baby Boomers (62 per cent).

“Social media have become an indispensable tool for both jobseekers and employers,” said Nicole Gorton, director at Robert Half.

“Social media are ingrained in the professional world, from building a professional network, showcasing skills, and researching potential employers to attracting and vetting talent. The future of recruitment is social, so both companies and professionals need to embrace them to get a competitive edge in their respective roles.”

LinkedIn remains the top dog as far as a professional platform catered to career progression goes, as reflected in the data below. But at the same time, other platforms have sprouted up the totem pole, evolving to now provide professional insights that workers find incredibly useful.

“LinkedIn no longer dominates the professional world in social media. Gen Z are increasingly turning to TikTok for career advice and company insights,” said Gorton.

“Even with many companies just initiating their journey in the TikTok space, its short-form video format offers a unique and engaging way for companies to showcase their culture, values, and employee experiences, making it a powerful recruitment and employer branding tool.”

When Robert Half asked the respondents whether the information workers discovered through social media channels had influenced them when they made career-related decisions, most noted that it had. They referenced the following decisions as notable subjects social media has assisted with.

• To build new skills (82 per cent)
• To apply for a specific job (75 per cent)
• To ask for a higher salary (73 per cent)
• To apply for a specific company (73 per cent)

“Social media influences career-related decisions for most workers, especially the younger generations. While it can be a valuable tool, it’s important to verify the accuracy of the information before making any decisions. Applying due diligence and consulting other reliable resources or consulting professionals are essential to ensuring informed career decisions,” said Gorton.