From Social Media Mishap to Career Breakthrough
Melbourne creative Rose Callahan once nearly lost her job over a "bitchy" Facebook post, learning the hard way that personal posts can have professional repercussions. As a millennial, she thought she could post anything without consequences, but this incident taught her a valuable lesson.
Earlier in her career, Rose worked on The Kyle & Jackie O Show and ran an entertainment news website, gaining expertise in media, copywriting, and content creation. This foundation later helped her excel in social media and advertising.
Years later, after re-entering the job market, the 42-year-old comedian and copywriter decided to mock LinkedIn's "open to work" badge with a tongue-in-cheek post. She spent nine hours designing it to look authentic, and it went viral, amassing 8.5 million views. This led to messages from major companies like Apple and Tesla, highlighting how social media can open unexpected opportunities.
Her post resonated during a time of mass redundancies in the tech industry, tapping into the stress of job hunting. It provided a much-needed laugh for many, showing the power of humor and human connection in professional contexts.
The Rise of Social Media in Recruitment
According to JobAdder's 2025 benchmark report, social media has overtaken job boards as the top method for recruiters to find candidates. 29% of recruiters rank it first, compared to 25% for job boards. JobAdder CEO Martin Herbst notes that recruiters now focus on building relationships rather than just posting ads, emphasizing that your online footprint could make or break your next opportunity.
Recruiters use platforms from LinkedIn to Instagram to engage diverse audiences and maintain long-term connections, creating networks ready for the right role. This shift is part of a broader trend where temporary and contract roles are standard at 81% of Australian recruitment agencies, more than twice the UK rate, reflecting a market that values flexibility.
The Role of AI in Modern Hiring
AI tools are now used by 81% of recruiters to manage high volumes of applications, speed up candidate screening, and reduce waiting times. Herbst explains that AI handles administrative tasks, allowing recruiters to focus on building trust and finding the right fit. Jobseekers can use AI to refine applications without losing authenticity, addressing rising pressures for personalized, faster feedback.
Balancing Opportunity and Authenticity
For Rose, the viral success brought both opportunity and exhaustion. She received international offers but chose a part-time role in Melbourne that fit her lifestyle, emphasizing that skills and experience should speak for themselves. She now helps others navigate LinkedIn, cautioning that success on social media isn't something you can manufacture—it depends on luck, timing, and genuine human connection.
She believes people want to connect with something real, and being genuine, funny, or just yourself on social media can lead to positive outcomes. As technology evolves, balancing efficiency with a human touch remains crucial for jobseekers and recruiters alike.
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!