How to Harness Social Proof in a Job Search

Research has shown that 60% of employers will look at a candidate’s LinkedIn profile. Most hiring managers will conduct a forensic Google search before signing the employment contract. Social proof in a job search can move the needle.

They want to find out about you. Unless you are a social media recluse, your presence and activity on the major platforms will offer some tantalising details. This is social proof. 

Hopefully, what they find will back up your job search stories. If not, you could be in trouble.

While positive social proof in a job search can add to your application, its absence could be fatal:

…. A lack of social proof suggests that you haven’t got much to say for yourself.

…. If your online career profile is incomplete, you may miss out on potential roles.

…. If you do not take charge of your authentic narrative, someone else will.

…. Not belonging to any social “community” may reveal certain character flaws.

…. Minimal activity on social media can make you seem 2-dimensional (not real).

Social proof in a search done right

While excessive (passive) social media use is often viewed as unproductive and harmful, engaging with others and actively exploring your passions is a great way to broaden your horizons and learn new things. This can give a far deeper insight into our personalities than any cover letter or CV if done in moderation. In the months leading up to a job search, look at what you get up to on socials and consider:

“What does my social media activity say about me?”

Such an audit is not so hard to carry out, but you need to look at your social proof (or lack thereof) from an employer’s perspective. What would you want to show them about you? How can you demonstrate your knowledge? What sort of personal qualities would they like to see? What sorts of things are their employees sharing at the moment?

While authenticity is essential, there is nothing wrong with being mindful of how you present yourself. Make sure that you share things that you can discuss in depth should you meet an equally passionate interviewer, and don’t exaggerate your involvement in certain things. Everyone is so busy with work and family, so there is no pressure to present your life as some sort of action movie. Rest and relaxation are important too.

The exciting thing about social media engagement is that it brings like-minded people together. If you help your network, they will help you. Maintaining an active social media presence may not only help with your passive social proof, but it could also bring genuine benefits such as job referrals and freelancing opportunities.

What does your social media activity say about you? This social proof might play a crucial role in helping you to secure your next job. Make the most of the social shop window.

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This blog is shared with Job Seeker Duetists.

Written by former recruitment ghostwriter Paul Drury (not AI).