Navigating Career Advice on TikTok: Insights from Gen Z and Millennials

In a rapidly changing digital landscape, the way we seek career advice is evolving, with the younger generations taking to platforms like TikTok to find guidance and insights. A recent survey conducted by ResumeBuilder.com, encompassing 1,000 full-time U.S. workers aged 21 to 40, sheds light on the trend of Gen Z and Millennials turning to TikTok for career advice. The findings emphasize the significant role social media plays in influencing professional decisions for these age groups.

The TikTok Career Advisor Trend

The survey’s results revealed that a substantial number of Gen Z and Millennial TikTok users actively seek career advice on the platform. Notably, more than three-quarters (77%) of Gen Z respondents, as well as 59% of younger Millennials (27-33 years old) and 54% of older Millennials (34-40 years old), identified themselves as TikTok enthusiasts. Among these users, 32% of Gen Z, 23% of younger Millennials, and 25% of older Millennials frequently turn to TikTok for career guidance. What’s more, over a third of those who sought career information on TikTok reported making career-related decisions based on the insights they acquired, with Gen Z leading the way at 41%.

Positive Impact on Lives

The survey found that nearly nine out of ten (88%) users who relied on TikTok for career decisions reported a positive impact on their lives. This suggests that TikTok is not just a platform for entertainment but also a valuable source of advice and insights for these younger generations.

The Influence of Social Media

According to Paige Breedlove, an employment trends expert and branch director at Robert Half, the rise of influencer culture and the trust Gen Z places in digital platforms make TikTok a credible source of career advice for them. Social media has transformed the way people seek advice on various topics, including careers. It often provides alternative solutions and perspectives that might not be readily available elsewhere.

Trust Varies Between Generations

Interestingly, the survey noted that trust levels vary between generations, with Gen Z users displaying higher levels of trust in the information they find on TikTok compared to Millennials. This disparity can be attributed to different formative experiences and generational perspectives. Gen Z, as digital natives, has grown up in a world where digital platforms are deeply ingrained in daily life. They find comfort in the collective wisdom of their peers and are more inclined to trust the advice they receive.

Beware of Misleading Information

While most users expressed trust in the career advice they obtained from TikTok creators, a majority also encountered misleading information. A quarter of respondents (25%) encountered misleading career-related information frequently, and more than half (53%) encountered it occasionally. Julia Toothacre, ResumeBuilder’s Resume and Career Strategist, pointed out that while TikTok can offer valuable advice, it’s essential to research the background of creators to ensure their advice is credible.

Considering the Source

Amrit Ahluwalia, Senior Director of Content and Insights at Modern Campus, highlighted the benefits of seeking advice on social media, such as unfiltered perspectives from experienced professionals. However, he cautioned users to critically assess the motivations of creators sharing advice, as they may have diverse agendas.

Pitfalls of Generalization

While the survey results are insightful, it’s crucial to approach generalizations about generational tendencies with caution. Not all individuals of a generation use TikTok, and the survey may have some self-selection bias, as participants are individuals for whom TikTok holds significance.

The trend of Gen Z and Millennials turning to TikTok for career advice underscores the changing landscape of how we seek professional guidance. While TikTok can provide valuable insights, users should exercise critical thinking and research the backgrounds of creators to ensure the advice they receive is credible. Social media, including TikTok, has a significant impact on the lives of younger generations, and it’s important to leverage this influence wisely in shaping their career decisions.

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Navigating Career Advice on TikTok: Insights from Gen Z and Millennials