Tech layoffs and white-collar cuts have led to an influx of competition for open roles. The majority of job candidates say the search process is broken, according to a Checkr survey of 3,000 U.S. adults who have actively looked for a job within the past six months. Many (67%) candidates told the background-check software company they believe companies are not being fully forthright about their true hiring intentions. Few (22%) respondents view the entire process as transparent and fair, and many cite concerns regarding murky information about salary and a general lack of responses from employers.

The job process has seemingly become a longer and more frustrating affair, as 40% of job seekers reportedly did not land a single interview in all of 2024—per a separate survey by the American Staffing Association and the Harris Poll. And 72% of respondents said that “applying for jobs feels like sending a résumé into a black box.” 

Fake job listings, also known as ghost jobs, further adds to confusion in this job market. More than half of Americans (66%) report to Checkr that they’ve experienced ghost jobs, an experience that 83% say causes a deterioration of trust. This has led to some young workers taking matters into their own hands.

Gen Z turns to social media for jobs

While job seekers are feeling discouraged by the classic mediums, they’re turning to social media as a potential way out of the trenches.

Job seekers (46%) say that social media is a helpful tool to discover jobs they wouldn’t otherwise and get help (48%) in the interview process—all tactics used most by Gen Zers and millennials. Younger generations also reportedly have the most success in using social media as a medium for networking. Furthermore, 50% of prospective employers say it’s valuable to read social media posts from workers about a company before going into an interview.

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“Social media has become an increasingly valuable tool for job seekers, particularly for Gen Z, who are redefining professional networking,” Jasmine Escalera, career expert for résumé maker Zety, tells Fortune. Some stories of shooting one’s shot with a company have gone viral, like that of Ashleigh Spiliopoulou, who landed her dream job by emailing a PR firm directly.

How to reach out to a boss and network through social media

“Become someone worth knowing. Jump into conversations that interest you,” Jen Fisher, global expert on well-being at work, tells Fortune. “Share thoughts that add value. Make your name one they recognize because you’re bringing something to the table.”

When it comes to actually messaging someone, Fisher suggests opting for a personalized message. Rather than simply sending a generic message about connecting, she suggests sending something like “Your post about [X] really made me think…” In general, the art of conversation applies as much online as it does in person—“people can smell generic messages from miles away,” she notes. Escalera also  cautions against a broad message. She suggests an “engage first, message second” strategy. 

If there’s a job posting tied to said networking, thoughtfulness becomes all the more key. “Show you’ve done your homework and share a quick win that matches what they need,” she says. And mutual connections are “gold,” but to be used “wisely,” Fisher adds, suggesting that you check in with your connection first and quickly follow up after they make the introduction.

Networking (sadly) is a means to an end, but without an end in sight. “The key is to focus on building relationships that last, not just landing the next gig,” explains Fisher. “The best opportunities come from people who’ve already seen what you bring to the table.”

It’s also about who you’re connecting with. Don’t reach out to hiring managers unless you already know them. You likely won’t get a callback, especially since they’re using a recruiter to gatekeep the jobs,” says Brittany Wilson, founder and lead career coach at Career Candor. She suggests reaching out to potential employers and coworkers or past connections to meet up for a coffee or catch up.

“Always be specific,” she says of making an ask in these conversations. “You should ask for companies they can refer you to or people they can introduce you to.” She urges applicants to ask connections for further recommendations of people to talk with.

Using social media as a tool for advice

As for using social media as a form of guidance in one’s job hunt and application process, Fisher suggests thinking of the source: Search for people with actual hiring experience, qualifications for the industry or role they’re providing advice on, responses to individuals that show a more than surface-level understanding, and focus on more than just canned answers. 

“Verifying sources and cross-referencing information with trusted career professionals is key to making informed decisions,” says Escalera. Keep an eye out for people who are catering their advice to selling a service, providing one-size-fits-all solutions, and focusing on “gaming the system,” says Fisher.