Swipe Right for Success: How TikTok Became the Unlikely Career Coach for Gen Z and Millennials

Alright, hold onto your hashtags, because here’s a plot twist in the digital drama of our lives: TikTok, once the go-to for dance challenges and lip-sync showdowns, is now the Oracle of Delphi for career advice for not just Gen Z but also millennials. Yes, you heard that right. Gone are the days of stuffy suits in career centers; it’s all about 60-second clips of wisdom between the sea shanties and makeup tutorials.

According to a ResumeBuilder.com survey, a whopping thousand full-time workers aged 21 to 40 admitted to digging through TikTok for golden nuggets of career wisdom. So, while you might be double-tapping your way through lunch breaks, these folks are strategically hashtagging their way up the career ladder.

Now, before you spit out your avocado toast in disbelief, consider this: 77% of Gen Z and over half of the millennial sample are TikToking their way through professional life. I’m talking about a third of Gen Z, nearly a quarter of young millennials, and a quarter of the old guard (that’s the 34-40-year-olds, no offense) tuning into TikTok more than LinkedIn for career hacks.

And it’s not just passive scrolling either. A hefty 41% of these fresh-faced Gen Zers have taken career plunges based on what they’ve seen on TikTok. Now, that’s commitment. And guess what? An optimistic 88% say TikTok career moves have jazzed up their lives. Who needs a career coach when you’ve got TikTok, right?

Now, let’s talk trust issues. Two-thirds of these trailblazers say they trust the TikTok gurus they follow. But remember, just because someone can fit their advice into a catchy tune doesn’t mean it’s the gospel truth.

And you, the savvy digital native you are, might be thinking, “But how?” Well, it’s the age of influencers, baby. If they can sway your fashion choices, why not your career moves? Gen Zers are munching on career tips from TikTok like they’re the latest snackable content.

But here’s the catch—just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it’s failproof. A quarter of these go-getters admit to stumbling upon misleading content. And that’s where the plot thickens. Not all career advice is created equal, especially when it’s sandwiched between a makeup tutorial and a dog on a skateboard.

Most TikTok maestros are dishing out advice based on personal tales of triumph, but let’s be real, not all have the creds to back up their claims. It’s like taking financial advice from that rich uncle who actually won the lottery once. Sure, it worked out for him, but your mileage may vary.

And while Apple and Google might not be shaking in their boots, the rise of TikTok as a career oracle shows that the game is changing. The platform is no longer just a playground; it’s a battleground for the hearts and minds of the up-and-coming workforce.

As for those of you scratching your heads, wondering if it’s time to trade your mentors for TikTokers, here’s some food for thought: social media is a buffet of perspectives, and you’ve got an all-you-can-eat pass. Just remember to chew carefully, because while some dishes are delightful, others might leave you with indigestion.

So, what’s the moral of the story? As you navigate the wild west of work-life wisdom on TikTok, arm yourself with a healthy dose of skepticism and a pinch of daring. Who knows? Your next swipe up could be the slide into the career of your dreams… or a slip down a rabbit hole of well-choreographed, yet questionable counsel.