Have you ever imagined being called for a job interview because of a TikTok video or an Instagram post? Well, it's happening—and it's happening more and more frequently.

Social media is no longer just a place for leisure. Today, it serves as a professional showcase. And those who understand this can stand out, create connections, and, yes, achieve real job opportunities.

If you want to know how to use TikTok and Instagram to get noticed by real businesses, this post will help you. Here you'll find practical tips and simple strategies that have already worked for many.

Why are companies looking at TikTok and Instagram?

The reason is simple: it's where the people are.

Social media has gone from being just entertainment platforms to channels for direct communication with the public. And companies know this. They want to see how people express themselves, how they interact with the public, how they think.

In the case of TikTok, the organic reach is enormous. A video can go viral in just a few hours and reach people from all walks of life—including recruiters.

On Instagram, the focus is on image building. The way you position yourself, what you post in your stories, the topics you cover… All of this counts for those looking for authentic and creative talent.

Are there people getting jobs this way?

Yes. And it is no exception.

People are being hired as social media professionals, designers, copywriters, videographers, traffic managers, marketing analysts, and even for formal positions in traditional companies—all because they stood out online.

Modern companies are already looking for professionals who know how to use social media effectively. Having a good resume on paper isn't enough. You need to demonstrate it in practice. And nothing demonstrates it more than a well-crafted profile.

What do companies look for when they look at your profile?

1# How do you communicate?
If you can explain ideas clearly and naturally, you're already ahead of the game.

2# Your creativity
Original content, with light humor or a unique format, attracts attention. It doesn't need expensive production—it needs personality.

3# Its consistency
There's no point in posting once and then disappearing for months. Companies like to see consistency and commitment, even if the profile is small.

4# Your values
What you share, comment on, and advocate for says a lot about you. Recruiters pay attention to this.

How to use TikTok to attract professional attention?

TikTok is a great way to showcase your skills in a relaxed way. Here are some ideas that work:

1# Show what you can do

Are you good at Excel? Do you edit videos? Do you know how to write creative texts? Record short videos demonstrating this in practice. You don't need to say you're looking for a job—show your value first.

Example: a video titled “How I made this viral video using only my cell phone” might attract companies looking for someone with basic editing skills.

2# Use popular formats

Take advantage of hot trends and audio, but adapt them to your professional content. This shows that you're up-to-date, have timing, and can communicate in a modern way.

Example: While many people use humorous audio, you can use it to show behind the scenes of your work.

3# Use clear subtitles

The text in the video and captions helps the algorithm understand what your content is about. Use simple sentences and keywords related to your field.

Example: “Creative social media showing how they think about scripts for Reels”.

4# Interact with whoever likes or comments

Don't ignore engagement. Every comment can be an opportunity to connect. People have been hired just because they responded to a comment with a good idea.

How to use Instagram to stand out?

Instagram focuses more on image and personal storytelling. Therefore, it's ideal for building authority and professional positioning. Here's the process:

1# Create an organized profile

A clear photo, an objective bio with keywords related to your field, a link to your portfolio (if you have one), and well-thought-out highlights convey care and professionalism.

Bio example:
“Creative Designer | I create visual identities with purpose | Portfolio here ↓”

2# Post useful content

Use carousels, Reels, and stories to share tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work, lessons learned, and reflections from the field.

You don't have to teach like a professor. You can share what you're learning, what you would do differently in a project, how you solved a problem.

This creates identification. It shows who you are beyond your resume.

3# Use Stories with Intention

Showing the day-to-day, behind-the-scenes experiences, challenges, and achievements brings humanity. Recruiters like to see the routine behind a talent. This creates a real connection.

You don't have to look perfect. You have to look real.

4# Tag businesses and use the right hashtags

If you've created something inspired by a brand or want to work with them, tag them. Show off your work. Use hashtags related to your field (#uxbrasil, #socialmediabrasil, #designerfreelancer, etc.)

Companies have noticed profiles just because of a well-made tag.

Golden tip: say you're available

There are a lot of good people hiding the fact that they're looking for work. Don't be ashamed to say so.

You can make a video or post stating that you're available for new projects. Explain your field of expertise, what you know, and how you want to help companies.

Use simple, direct, and authentic language. No one likes forced text.

Does it work even if I don't have many followers?

Yes. What matters is the content, not the number.

There are people with thousands of followers who get permanent freelance work just by showing off their skills. Good content can go a long way, even with just a few likes.

Consistency, originality, and care in what you post count for much more.

What to avoid?

Even if you want to be noticed, there are things that can work against you. Here's what to avoid:

  • Complaining about everything in stories
  • Posting indirect messages about companies or colleagues
  • Lying about skills you don't have
  • Using TikTok or Instagram just to complain about the lack of opportunities

Social media is your shop window. What you post says who you are—even if you don't realize it.

Does it really work?

Yes. More and more companies are looking to social media to understand who's behind their resumes.

And it's not just large companies. Local businesses, small entrepreneurs, and even social projects are looking for talent on Instagram and TikTok.

If you have an active profile, with content that shows what you know and how you think, you're already ahead of a lot of people.

It's not about "being an influencer." It's about show who you are and what you can do, with lightness and truth.

See also: Remote Work: How to Find Opportunities and Stand Out

March 22, 2025