Recruiters are always on the lookout for fresh ways to connect with top talent, especially as younger job seekers shift their online habits. While LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter remain go-to platforms, newer social media networks are creating exciting opportunities for sourcing and engagement.
In this guide, we’ll explore three emerging social media in recruiting – Bluesky, Threads, and Substack Notes – and break down how recruiters can use them to gain a competitive edge in 2025.
1. Bluesky: Decentralized Social Networking for Authentic Connections
What is “Bluesky” ?
Bluesky is a decentralized social platform built on the AT Protocol. Unlike traditional social media networks controlled by a single company, Bluesky gives users more control over their data, identity, and feed experience.
Many users describe Bluesky as “good like Twitter in 2012” because it shares a similar interface, layout, and focus on open conversation with less aggressive content moderation, resembling the earlier, more casual experience of Twitter before significant platform changes and increased polarization; essentially, a simpler, less curated feed with a focus on public discourse.
For recruiters, this means fewer barriers between you and top candidates, along with a greater ability to build genuine relationships in a non-traditional hiring space.
Key Features Recruiters Should Know
✅ Federated & Portable Accounts – No more starting from scratch when switching platforms. Bluesky allows recruiters to maintain a consistent presence, ensuring long-term engagement with candidates and employer branding.
✅ Algorithmic Feeds & Open Discovery – Recruiters can create or subscribe to job-focused feeds, making it easier to target talent pools based on industry, expertise, and career interests.
✅ Custom Domain Usernames for Employer Branding – Companies can use their own domain names as handles (e.g., @careers.yourcompany.com), reinforcing credibility and brand recognition.
✅ Direct Candidate Engagement in a Decentralized Network – No corporate gatekeeping means more authentic interactions. Recruiters can host AMAs (Ask Me Anything) or career Q&A sessions to build relationships organically.
Recruitment in Action: The University of Utah’s Neuroscience Job Feed
🔹 Lab Manager at The University of Utah – Karla McHale created a dedicated feed for neuroscience jobs, attracting consistent, hourly traffic & interactions from professionals in the field like Toronto Academic Health Science Network, Ambry Genetics, and The University of Adelaide, posting job openings to look for qualified candidates. This demonstrates how recruiters can leverage Bluesky’s open feeds to tap into niche talent pools.
2. Threads (By Meta): Engage in In-Depth Conversations With Candidates
What is “Threads”?
Threads is Meta’s Twitter alternative, offering a streamlined space for real-time conversations. While it started as an Instagram extension, it has evolved into a standalone platform with growing professional engagement.
Key Features Recruiters Should Know
✅ Fediverse Interoperability – Threads now connect with other decentralized networks, extending your recruitment reach beyond a single platform.
✅ Trending Topics & Polls – Ideal for market research and gauging candidate sentiment. Recruiters can start discussions on industry trends, workplace culture, or career development.
✅ Cross-Platform Engagement – Job posts on Threads can seamlessly integrate with Instagram Stories and Reels, ensuring broader visibility.
✅ Algorithmic Content Surfacing – Unlike LinkedIn, which often prioritizes followers, Threads surfaces content based on engagement. This levels the playing field for recruiters looking to attract passive candidates.
Recruitment in Action: LG Electronics Malaysia
🔹 General Sales Manager Hazzique Naim posted a traditional job listing for an Admin Cum Personal Assistant on Threads, gaining over 100 likes, 12 reposts, and 29 shares. The engagement levels demonstrate the potential for organic reach in recruitment.
🔹 Recruiters using Thread can also find candidates actively inquiring about job openings and share their employment experience under keywords such as #hiring or #job.
3. Substack Notes: Content-Driven Recruitment for Niche Talent
What is “Substack Notes”?
Substack Notes combines microblogging with long-form content, making it an ideal space for thought leadership and employer branding. Unlike traditional job boards, recruiters can engage with candidates in a meaningful, content-driven way.
Key Features Recruiters Should Know
✅ Short-Form & Long-Form Content Flexibility – Share quick job updates or dive deeper into company culture, hiring trends, and career advice.
✅ Subscriber-Driven Reach – Instead of competing with algorithm-heavy platforms, recruiters can build a dedicated audience genuinely interested in career opportunities.
✅ Discovery Through the Substack Network – Content is surfaced to an audience already engaged in industry discussions, making it a powerful tool for reaching passive candidates.
Recruitment in Action: Black Tech Pipeline’s Job Board
🔹 This talent directory and newsletter connects Black tech professionals with employers. By posting informative long-form articles on Substack, they’ve built a highly engaged audience of 9,000+ subscribers, ensuring job postings reach a diverse talent pool.
Final Thoughts: Why Emerging Social Media in Recruiting Matters
Traditional recruiting channels aren’t going anywhere, but recruiters who adapt to new platforms will gain a significant advantage in sourcing top talent. Platforms like Bluesky, Threads, and Substack Notes offer direct, authentic engagement that is often missing on LinkedIn and other mainstream sites.
By exploring these emerging social media platforms, recruiters can: ✔️ Build stronger employer branding ✔️ Tap into niche, high-quality talent pools ✔️ Increase engagement without heavy reliance on paid promotions ✔️ Stay ahead in the competitive hiring landscape
The key takeaway? Go where your candidates are. These new platforms may not yet be mainstream, but early adoption could position your company as an industry leader in recruitment innovation.
Team Rakuna
The Rakuna Team comprises a diverse group of professionals hailing from various corners of the world.
With a passion to enable organizations to hire their next waves of talents, we are dedicated to help organizations stay updated on important recruiting technology and industry best practices.
