Recruitment is a two-way mirror. Employers today are combing social media to size up candidates, but don’t forget, job seekers are peering right back.

More than half of candidates under age 45 now review a company’s social media presence before applying, using it to evaluate whether an employer aligns with their expectations and ideals, according to a 2025 HireClix survey.

So, if your feed comes off as one big self-promotion instead of a hub for culture, connection and authenticity, you could be deterring the “best of the best” hires without even knowing it.

Used strategically, a company’s social media presence can be both a megaphone for brand awareness and a retention-building, credibility-boosting magnet for top talent.

Here’s how to make that happen.

Show Real Faces in Your Feed

Sure, posting often and sharing polished content are still important parts of growing your brand’s presence on social media.

But nothing cuts through the noise quite like people. Real, candid moments from the employees who shape your company add a layer of authenticity that templated visuals simply can’t.

According to a 2023 Content Stadium report, 61% of users say they’re more likely to engage with posts featuring employee photos. And active job seekers take it a step further. A survey by Capitalize found that 80% inspect the social media profiles of current staff when applying or considering a position, making who you choose to spotlight just as important as what you post.

Then, Tell the Stories Behind the Faces

If faces capture attention, stories hold it. Most companies default to promotional or educational content; however, candidates want to see the heartbeat of your workplace too.

In a world where social media feels as curated as an art gallery, sharing genuine, behind-the-scenes workplace culture posts can create a ripple in the ocean of employer sameness.

Examples of social media posts that showcase company culture include:

  • Employee profiles: Humanize your brand and give candidates relatable stories.
  • Work anniversaries: Highlight loyalty and long-term growth opportunities.
  • Team outings: Show camaraderie and a culture of collaboration.
  • Community service projects: Reflect shared values and purpose beyond the office.

Don’t Let Proof Points Gather Dust

Company wins aren’t just for the press page. Awards, new partnerships, key hires and expansions are all credibility signals candidates look for and expect to see on social media as well as your website.

In fact, iHire revealed that more than a third of candidates cite positive news articles as influential in shaping their perception of a company, and one in four say culture awards matter too…

Too often, though, companies treat these milestones like housekeeping. Post it on the site, maybe send an email, then check the box and move on.

But when job seekers research potential employers on social media, they ask questions like: Is this a company on the rise? Do others in the industry respect them? Will my career grow here?

Strategic news announcements leveraged on social media feeds and on your website’s newsroom answer those questions best when they show up in the first places candidates check to confirm your credibility.

Turn Your Social Media Presence into a Talent Magnet

We don’t just talk about culture-driven content, we build it every day. Here’s how our own feed showcases real faces, authentic stories and proof points that double as recruitment strategy.

Don’t let your feeds sit idle when they could be working overtime as a recruiting powerhouse. Our social media experts can help you build credibility and pull the right candidates closer.