Once upon a time, your CV was your golden ticket. Degrees, internships, “five years of experience” – the holy trinity of getting a job. But in today’s world, those dusty pages are being shoved aside by something shinier: follower counts. That’s right – social media influence on careers is now often valued more than experience, and social following is becoming the new work portfolio.
Recruiters are no longer just peeking at LinkedIn; they’re stalking your Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (sorry X). And guess what? A polished reel showcasing your creativity might speak louder than a three-page CV listing skills in Times New Roman. For brands and companies, hiring someone with 50k followers isn’t just about filling a role — it’s about free advertising. Your audience = their customers.
The Fast-Track Career Elevator
Let’s be honest: networking events and cold emails feel painfully 2009. Today, a single viral post can land you opportunities you’d never dream of. An amateur baker can score a cookbook deal, a uni student with a podcast might get invited to panel discussions, and a teenager reviewing skincare products could become the face of a global brand. Who needs “10 years of industry experience” when your DMs are already buzzing with collaboration requests?
But here’s the catch: influence doesn’t always equal expertise. For instance, we’ve seen medical professionals debunk viral trends started by influencers — from “detox teas” that claim to melt fat overnight to bizarre hacks like sun-gazing for better health. Doctors often step in to point out that these fads are not only ineffective but sometimes downright dangerous.
Sure, your favourite fitness influencer might look amazing in gym wear, but would you trust them to actually design a training programme? Sometimes the line between being “inspirational” and “inexperienced” gets blurry. For those who’ve slogged through years of education and low-paying internships, it can feel frustrating to see someone leapfrog into success with a ring light and trending audio..
Good Change or Glittery Illusion?
So, is this shift a good thing? On one hand, it’s democratising opportunities. You no longer need expensive degrees or elite connections — just creativity, consistency, and an audience who cares. It gives a voice to people who would otherwise never be heard. On the flip side, it risks undervaluing actual skills, and sometimes, style ends up trumping substance.
The rise of social media influence on careers over expertise isn’t black or white — it’s a colourful blur of both. Ideally, the future belongs to those who can balance influence and expertise. Because while followers might open the door, skills are what keep you in the room.
And this shift isn’t just about hiring — it’s also redefining work itself. From boardrooms to ring lights, more people are trading résumés for Reels, showing that freelancing and influencing might just be the new corner office.