How Gen Z and Millennials Use TikTok to Launch Careers

Gen Zers are turning to TikTok for all kinds of advice. Whether it’s cooking tips or makeup tutorials, this is the first platform they’ll go to for help. That’s why it’s not surprising Gen Zers are using TikTok to find jobs, too. When they need some financial insights, this platform tops even Google in popularity. TikTok users like to receive information first-hand, but there seems to be something more to it. Let’s dig deeper into why TikTok is so popular among younger generations looking to boost their careers.

TikTok is Gen Z’s New Google

How did TikTok go from silly challenges and dancing videos to giving full-on career advice to its users? The transition was seamless and happened due to high demand. Gen Zers have a tendency to think out of the box. Spending more time online than any previous generation has left its mark. So, they started to simplify the process of looking and applying for a job. Whether it was a ghostwriter, an accountant, or a marketing manager, Gen Zers started presenting themselves online using TikTok. Tags like #CareerTok and #jobsearch allow Gen Zers to express themselves in order to attract employees.

Is TikTok a Viable Job Search Tool?

TikTok is a great source of career advice from the experts in various industries. But over the last few years, it’s become much more than that. Baron Leung was one of the first pioneers who managed to land a job using this platform. In 2023, the man quit his job and was desperate to find a new one. Nothing was working out, so he decided to do a presentation video of himself, showcasing his talents. He did a creative 2-minute video that immediately got the attention of thousands of viewers.

The Beginning of a New Trend

Baron Leung posted the video on LinkedIn and almost immediately HR contacted him, offering a job. It was fast, easy, and incredibly effective. This event marked the beginning of a job-seeking trend on TikTok and other social media platforms. Old-school job-searching methods are becoming obsolete as Gen Zers and millennials have started doing everything online. But out of all social platforms, what makes TikTok the one they prefer to all others? Here’s what a recent survey has to say:

• 15% of Gen Zers managed to land a job using the platform.
• They always turn to TikTok for fast advice and tools they can try right away.
• More than 40% of Gen Zers make career-based decisions using TikTok.
• Most Gen Zers turn to TikTok because it’s free and easy to use.

What Made #CareerTok So Popular?

Navigating the job market has always been tough. Nevertheless, it got increasingly harder after the pandemic. Factors like inflation, recessions, and layoffs have also changed the job-hunting dynamics. #CareerTok created a safe environment for job-seekers to look for advice and get help. 

Young people are interested in the ins and outs of navigating office politics. They also want to learn how to behave during job interviews. Tips on how to quit a job you don’t like are also among the most trending ones. Moreover, TikTok allows Gen Zers to safely build their network. They get to connect to their peers instead of getting lifeless advice from search engines like Google. 

The Visual Aspect Is Important

For Gen Zers and Millenials, the information itself isn’t the most important thing. They grew up using social media and it’s become a part of their everyday lives. This means there’s a habit to get advice using platforms like TikTok and YouTube. For them, the visual aspect of information plays a key role when looking for guidance. Firstly, they get to learn something new in a very interactive way by watching a video. Secondly, they see an actual person behind that information. 

The advice may not be different from podcasts, YouTube videos, or articles found on LinkedIn. But the short video format is what makes it so appealing to Gen Zers and Millennials. Well, companies have also started using the new trend to attract young talents. HBO was one of the first businesses that looked for interns using TikTok. Nowadays, it’s actually possible to find the job of your dreams while looking through videos.

Conclusion

A lot of factors played their role in TikTok becoming the #1 source of job-related advice for Gen Zers. They trust the tips available on TikTok more than from any search engine or social media platform. With everything going online these days, the process of landing a job has also changed a lot. Now you’re more likely to grab the attention of HR with a smart video presentation rather than a CV. Big companies are also jumping on this new trend to find employees.