LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform, announced its departure from the Chinese market earlier this year. This move has left a significant void for young professionals seeking employment opportunities and connections. As a response to this void, many have turned to the unlikeliest of platforms: Tinder.
The professional LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky revealed in May that the company was making job cuts and had decided to phase out its local professional networking service, InCareer, in China by August 9. Citing “shifts in customer behaviour and slower revenue growth,” this decision marked the end of an era for LinkedIn in the country.
Unfortunately, LinkedIn’s departure came at a time when China’s youth unemployment rate reached a record high of 21.3 percent in June, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. This dire situation left many graduates and young professionals scrambling for ways to stand out in a fiercely competitive job market.
Amid LinkedIn’s exit, young professionals across China began to explore unconventional avenues to find job opportunities and network. Reports from Chinese news outlet Sixth Tone have highlighted how some individuals have used Tinder as a means to further their careers. For instance, one graduate from Peking University shared her experience of receiving valuable internship advice from a Tinder date who worked at her desired firm. Others have proactively sought job openings through the app.
One user on the Chinese social platform Xiaohongshu even posted a set of tips on how to leverage Tinder for job hunting. These tips include matching with individuals in the desired industry, initiating conversations about their match’s job, and gradually sharing their job search challenges before seeking advice.
However, Tinder itself reportedly expressed reservations about this emerging trend. A Tinder spokesperson emphasised that the platform is designed for personal connections rather than business networking. The company discouraged users from using Tinder to promote businesses, make money, advertise, share social handles, or gain followers.
