While I’m pretty tech savvy, there are some platforms I just don’t know. I tried Snapchat for a minute, and I got off TikTok pretty quickly too. Not for me. However, I’m willing to explore new ideas when they will benefit my job-seeking clients! Two that have been suggested recently are Reddit and Discord. Have you, like some of my forward-thinking (and, yes, sometimes younger) clients, used Reddit and Discord for job searching? If not, no problem! I’m going to provide you with a crash course today on how you can get the most out of these sites—and no, they’re not just for twenty-somethings!
LinkedIn Isn’t for Everyone
I’ll admit that one of my go-tos to share with job seekers is LinkedIn. It encompasses a variety of industries and professions, and if there’s not enough there, there’s always Google Jobs. But for some industries, namely gaming, tech, marketing, and creative fields, there might be some other options that are equally as effective—if not more so.
Unlike Facebook, LinkedIn hasn’t yet been relegated to older folks, but it has become stale to many job seekers. They get frustrated at seeing 1,000+ applicants on an “Easy Apply” role, and don’t even get me started on recruiters who don’t follow up. It’s possible that using Reddit and Discord for job searching never hit your radar. Aren’t these the sites where “kids” go? I mean, my teenage son has been using Discord for years to talk to his game-playing friends. But what’s really happening on these sites is that people are talking, and where people talk, there can be opportunities.
Let’s explore each of these sites in turn and see how you might be able to leverage them in your job search.
First Up: Reddit
Reddit initially referred to itself as “the front page of the internet,” but that’s since updated to “dive into anything,” and I’d say that the new slogan is pretty accurate. Essentially, Reddit is a giant collection of forums, called subreddits, that are organized around specific topics. Back in the ‘90s, I used forums via Prodigy, my dial-up email server at the time. But now we’re in the ‘20s, and life is different. Now, we have Reddit.
How to Use Reddit for Job Searching
I’m going to walk you through this like you’ve never been on Reddit before because I’m guessing you’re like me and haven’t used it (other than when results come up in a Google search).
Step 1: Create a Reddit account
Reddit is free and quick to join at reddit.com. You don’t even need to use your real name if you’re concerned about being found out.
Step 2: Find your subreddits
You can get sucked into a deep hole looking at subreddits, so here are some choices to get you started:
- r/jobs: General job-seeking advice and stories
- r/careerguidance: For when you’re feeling stuck or need direction
- r/marketing: Industry trends, career tips, and role-specific threads
- r/gamedesign: For folks in the game industry
- r/cscareerquestions: Excellent for tech professionals and developers
- r/freelance: If you’re pursuing freelance or contract work
Step 3: Listen, learn, and connect
Reddit is a community, not a job board. That means you don’t just post your resume and ask for leads (unless a thread specifically invites it). Instead:
- Comment on threads where people ask questions you can answer.
- Share a helpful tool or resource.
- Ask thoughtful questions when you’re job searching or switching industries.
- Look for AMAs (Ask Me Anything sessions), which are goldmines of insight from hiring managers, recruiters, and industry insiders.
Redditors (yes, that’s what they’re called) are often generous with their advice—especially when you’re respectful, clear, and not overly self-promotional. It’s not unusual for a casual comment exchange to lead to a DM, which leads to a referral, which might just lead to an interview.
Next: Discord
Originally designed for gamers, Discord has evolved into a full-blown community hub for everything from software development to design, content creation, marketing, and yes, career growth. If you’re familiar with Slack, you should feel pretty comfortable with Discord. It’s full of channels and threads with servers/groups being super niche and usually grassroots.
How to Use Discord for Job Searching
Don’t get overwhelmed by the thought of venturing into Discord because, as with Reddit, I’m providing the tips you need to get started.
Step 1: Create a free account
Head to discord.com, create your account, and download the desktop or mobile app (or both).
Step 2: Find servers related to your industry
Remember that “servers” refers to the groups you join. Since there’s no universal directory, you’ll need to search a bit. Some things to try include:
- Disboard.org: A searchable directory of public servers
- Reddit threads such as r/discordservers
- Asking people in your field where they hang out online
Some examples of servers that might align with your job search are:
- Design Buddies (for creatives, UX/UI folks, and designers of all stripes)
- Devcord (for software developers and coders)
- The Writers’ Block (for writers, marketers, and content strategists)
- Work with Indies (a supportive space for job seekers in the indie gaming world)
Step 3: Join, observe, and contribute
Most servers have intro channels and rules, so take some time to actually read them. Then spend a few days observing the server’s vibe. When you’re ready:
- Briefly introduce yourself.
- Join career-focused or job-opportunity channels.
- Ask questions, share resources, and connect authentically.
Real talk: One of my clients in the gaming industry landed freelance gigs and full-time interviews simply by being active in a niche Discord server, building relationships over time, and answering questions with thoughtfulness and humility. It works. (And she’s the one who turned me on to this option.)
Why Use Reddit and Discord for Job Searching?
If you’re scratching your head now and wondering, “Why the heck should I incorporate Reddit and Discord for job searching as a tool in my toolbox,” I hear you. “Isn’t this just another place to network?” I answer you with a resounding, Yes! Yes it is. And networking leads to connections, with connections leading to opportunities. The potential difference on these two venues, as opposed to LinkedIn, is that the connections are more organic. You’ll have conversations, contribute, learn, and build trust. Yes, that can certainly happen on LinkedIn, but for some people, these platforms will feel more authentic.
Remember, a job search is not a one-size-fits-all approach. You have myriad tools at your disposal, and your goal is to find the ones that ring true for you. Just don’t put all your eggs in one basket—no matter how appealing that basket may appear.
Expand Your Job-Search Universe with New Platforms
I can’t imagine a time when I’m not going to tell job seekers about LinkedIn and how beneficial it is in a job search. But things change. A couple of years ago, I didn’t know about or use ChatGPT, and now, I suggest that my clients use it as a tool to help with crafting content and doing research. Moving forward, I will start telling some clients to use Reddit and Discord for job searching—especially if they’re in gaming, tech, or creative fields. They (and you) may already be on these platforms and not using them for this approach. If you aren’t, it’s something you may want to explore.
Remember this: Reddit and Discord aren’t job boards. No one is suggesting they are. They are places to connect and build relationships which, eventually, could lead to opportunities.
Need help navigating the job-search process? There’s a reason I named my company Your Career Advocate: I’m here to guide and support you from initial application through salary negotiation. Learn more about the options for partnering.