LinkedIn has become a source of disappointment for many users, often criticized on other social media platforms for being inauthentic and ineffective. As “influencer culture” continues to rise, users are seeking an escape from this phenomenon when using LinkedIn. The platform is accused of prioritizing sales over genuine networking, undermining its purpose as a tool for professional connections. Most importantly, many find it unhelpful in their job search, which is the main reason people turn to the app. Users report encountering “fake” job opportunities that exploit those desperately seeking work. Additionally, real opportunities often come with the frustrating experience of being contacted by recruiters, only to be ghosted later. This has led to widespread frustration among countless users.
You can sense the disheartenment as people share their experiences. Many are trying to recover from a challenging job market, and the platform they are encouraged to rely on for employment seems broken. The second and third quarters of this year were sluggish for job seekers in America, marked by layoffs resulting from pandemic-era overhiring and the rise of AI dependence. While conditions are gradually improving, many individuals are turning to alternatives beyond LinkedIn for job opportunities.
In response to the desire for a healthier social culture and job connections, a new platform has emerged: Threads. Launched in July 2023, Threads quickly gained popularity, amassing 200 million users. As a relatively new platform, it has had time to test different systems and develop a strong user experience, which appears to be paying off.
“LinkedIn is oversaturated with complaints about unemployment. Everyone says they need a job, but nobody’s hiring. On Threads, clients are genuinely looking for help,” says Ebony Gaskins, Founder of LORE Co., a virtual assistant company. Gaskins has successfully booked clients on Threads, a feat that proved challenging on LinkedIn. “I’m not a LinkedIn person at all. I can’t do it!”
Thanks to the engineers at Threads, the platform is proving to be useful. Meta has shifted its focus to enhancing user engagement rather than simply increasing user numbers. Their AI system curates a feed of posts similar to those a user interacts with, as well as from accounts they follow. The algorithm also tracks how long users scroll past posts—if they pass quickly, similar content will be minimized.
Imagine the Threads algorithm as a text-based version of 2020 TikTok, where users were continuously fed content based on their interactions. This led to the formation of vibrant communities such as #booktok, #beautytok, and #traveltok.
For those seeking work on Threads, the algorithm can be a valuable tool. If a social media manager engages with posts from companies hiring freelancers, their feed will be populated with similar opportunities. This creates a streamlined way to find work and connect with others in the same industry through replies and discussions.
When asked how frequently she sees job opportunities on Threads, Gaskins responded, “Almost every time I open the app.” As a virtual assistant, she regularly engages with entrepreneurs looking for help, leading her to discover various job opportunities. “When I say it’s tailored… it’s really unbelievable.”
Like TikTok’s algorithm, success on Threads won’t last forever, so it’s crucial to seize the opportunity to grow a brand or find work. Gaining clients has become almost effortless for Gaskins. “I would scroll and see someone say, ‘Oh, I’m looking for a virtual assistant.’ And I thought, there’s no way it’s this easy, right? So I would reply to their thread, and then I started getting bookings.” The rest is history!
People and brands don’t need a perfectly designed feed to gain traction; they simply need to be engaged. Threads is a text-first app, allowing users to interact publicly as if messaging a large group. Success requires a quick response to posts and meaningful contributions to conversations within the community. Take advantage of this opportunity!