How Gen Z is using TikTok to Launch Their Dream Careers
The job search is a never-ending rigmarole of sending your resume, securing an interview, going for said interview, and then getting ghosted.
It’s no wonder job seekers are frustrated with the entire process. As most would say, “The system is rigged.” We can’t argue with that. To some extent, the odds are against you the second you click “send” on your application.
Firstly you’re competing with hundreds, if not thousands of other applicants. Secondly, what makes your resume so special?
The U.S. Department of Labor reports a 4% unemployment rate. While not high overall, it still means 6.85 million people are jobless.
TikTok Replacing LinkedIn for Jobseekers?
Many people have exhausted the traditional avenues, from recruitment agencies to job posts to career boards.
Companies look for specific qualifications and skill sets and sometimes use AI tools for resume screening. If you don’t meet the basic requirements, forget about your application seeing the light of day.
Defeated by coming up short, Gen Zers are taking to social media platforms, namely TikTok, to help them gain employment. Recruiters are taking note. Quoting the Silicone Republic, TechRound reports that TikTok is becoming a hotspot for recruiters hoping to attract Gen Z talent.
No need to worry for all those LinkedIn warriors. The news outlet says while TikTok is reaching a younger audience, it won’t replace traditional hiring platforms. Instead, it’s become a meeting space for sharing career advice and ideas.
A Day in the Life Of…
CareerTok is fast becoming the go-to place for career advice and inspiration. The trend features TikTokers sharing tips on salary negotiations and interview techniques.
One trend that has taken off is A Day in the Life of a Social Worker. Content creators post videos about their workdays and what their specific job entails.
The posts also go BTS, what social workers do and how they’re furthering their career paths by enrolling in an online advanced standing MSW program.
Many qualified social workers wanting to pivot to more senior positions in social and economic justice tend to take this route. A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree guarantees career success for individuals hoping to focus on clinical mental health treatment skills.
The advanced standing program is recommended for students with a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW). Keuka College advises opting for a clinically focused online program that fully prepares advanced-standing students to pursue licensure as clinically licensed social workers.
TikTok Success Story
Baron Leung posted a cheeky video on TikTok in 2023. Titled “Why You Should Hire Baron,” he introduces himself as a workaholic.
With only a PowerPoint presentation and elevator music playing in the background, he reels off his strengths and achievements.
The quirky take is a refreshing departure from a typical interview. Leung controls the narrative and his confident stance perfectly sums up his larger-than-life personality.
On his leadership abilities, he quips that he coaches high school rugby in his free time. If he can get 50 teenage boys to listen, he can make anyone listen.
He tells CNBC that the post was a last-ditch effort to get the attention of hiring managers following a frustrating job search.
Leung shared the post on LinkedIn and a recruiter connected with him. Weeks later he signed an offer as a media planner.
Meet the New Influencers
Most of the advice on TikTok is consumed by Gen Z and younger millennials trying to figure out their role in the workplace.
Social media influencers are no longer the MrBeasts of the world. They are people like you and me who are championing mental health initiatives.
Gen Zers are prioritizing their overall well-being. They’re not only visiting TikTok to consume content, they’re creating it as well.
Registered social worker and psychotherapist Nadia Addesi (@nadiaaddesi) has more than 2.8 million TikTok followers.
Advocating for mental health and raising awareness of trauma and disassociation, Addesi presents her advice with empathy and understanding. Her positive affirmations often inspire people to seek help and even consider taking this career path.
Leveraging Social Media to Further Your Career
Nobody said bagging the job of your dreams was easy. It can be hard to stay positive. However, you have the power of social media at your disposal.
Leverage LinkedIn to build connections and expand your network. Use platforms like X or Instagram to showcase your expertise if you're a creative professional.
And yes, TikTok works but only use it to supplement your job search. And if your bubbly personality allows it, go ahead and do a Baron Leung. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose.