okay but is tiktok literally my career coach now???

No, but fr though, I'm so tired of all the outdated job search advice that's like "optimize your LinkedIn! use keywords! network like your life depends on it!" Like... none of that is actually helping me figure out what I want to do with my life!!!

I spent hours "optimizing" my resume and I was still unemployed. It felt like this endless checklist that makes me feel like I'm doing something, but I'm still stuck in the same place. Like why isn't this working???

Then I saw that TikTok where that said "maybe the problem isn't you, maybe it's how you're looking" and it hit so different.

Like finally someone gets it???

I was literally lying in bed at 2am watching career TikToks and actually taking notes. That's my life now apparently.

But here’s the thing… I’m not about to let the algorithm decide my whole career. Some of that advice is gold, and some of it is pure scam vibes. So I’ve been figuring out how to take what actually works and leave the rest.

Here’s what I’m doing to make TikTok career tips work for me, not against me.

why gen z career advice comes from fyp now

Where else are we supposed to go? Career centers don’t get today’s job market. School counselors hand out advice that sounds like it’s from 2010. Corporate blogs feel like they’re written by bots.

Meanwhile, TikTok career tips actually address what we’re dealing with:

·   How to answer “tell me about yourself” without dissociating.

·   How to explain a layoff without sounding defensive.

·   How to negotiate salary without apologizing for asking.

That’s the career guidance gap right there. Nobody prepared us for the messy, human side of job searching. TikTok didn’t fix it perfectly—it’s chaotic, it’s messy, it’s full of both gems and scams—but at least it feels like someone finally said out loud what we’ve been thinking.

the dark side of tiktok career tips

TikTok career tips hit different, but let’s be real—the dark side is giving major scammer energy.

You know the ones:

“Remote jobs paying $40/hour, no experience needed” (sounds fake because it is).

“Six figures from your phone in 3 months” (bestie, be serious).

Old-school advice repackaged with a trending audio. “Just network harder 🎶” Cool, thanks, Grandpa in disguise.

That’s the thing: TikTok feels real because it’s raw, but it’s not filtered for accuracy. The algorithm pushes what gets engagement, not what gets you hired.

So yeah—use it for inspiration, for the aha moments, for realizing you’re not alone. But cross-check everything. Think of TikTok career advice like your funniest chaotic friend: they’ll hype you up, they’ll say the wildest stuff, but you still double-check before you take their word as law.

how to make your social media job search actually work

Okay so before you get sucked into a scam, here's how to use TikTok to get a job:

Filter the noise. If it sounds like a get-rich-quick scheme, it probably is. Sorry, but you're not gonna make bank working 2 hours a day.

Cross-check everything. One random creator saying something vs three different people in the industry saying it - very different vibes. If multiple people are saying the same thing, it's probably worth listening to.

Use it for inspiration, not gospel. TikTok gives me ideas, but I'm not betting my whole future on a 30-second video. Like it can spark something, but my career deserves more than that.

Actually talk to real people. I started reaching out to people in my field, asking for coffee chats, finding actual mentors. TikTok can start the conversation, but real humans have to finish it.

That's the sweet spot for any social media job search - mixing what you learn online with actual strategy and real connections.

the truth about gen z career advice and social media

You know what's actually wild? TikTok isn't replacing career coaches... it's replacing the fact that we never had good ones to begin with. There's such a huge career guidance gap in traditional systems and TikTok is just filling it in the most chaotic way possible.

It's like finally someone gets what it's like to job hunt when everything is falling apart and AI is taking over and the economy is a literal joke. It's not perfect but at least it feels human. At least someone understands that we're all just trying to figure it out.

So yeah, TikTok might be my career coach now but I'm still the one making the actual decisions. My career isn't a trend and I'm not about to let the algorithm decide my whole life. We deserve advice that actually fits, not just whatever's going viral this week.‍

gen z career advice that actually works

Here's what I've learned actually moves the needle after months of trial and error:

Start with self-awareness, not job boards. Before you even open LinkedIn, figure out what you actually want. Use TikTok for inspiration but then journal about it, talk to people in different roles, or try informational interviews.

Build skills while you search. Instead of just applying everywhere, pick 2-3 skills that keep showing up in job descriptions and actually learn them. Free courses, YouTube tutorials, whatever works.

Network like a human, not a robot. Forget the formal LinkedIn messages. Comment on posts, share your thoughts, be genuine. People hire people they like, not perfect resumes.

Track what's working. Keep notes on which applications get responses, which networking approaches work, what interview prep actually helps. Data > feelings when it comes to job searching.

Set boundaries with the search. Don't let job hunting consume your entire identity. Set specific hours, take breaks, remember that your worth isn't tied to employment status.

quick answers bc y'all keep asking:

Is TikTok actually good for career advice? Yeah if you're smart about it. Fact-check everything and don't treat it like gospel.

Why does everyone our age use TikTok for job stuff? Because it's the only place giving advice that doesn't make us want to scream into the void. It feels relatable and real.

How do I not get scammed? If they're promising easy money, run. Cross-check everything. Use your brain bestie.

Can I actually get a job through social media? Use social media for ideas and inspiration, then do the actual work. Network with real people, research companies, apply strategically. Some people have gotten jobs directly through TikTok connections, but it's more about building your personal brand and finding opportunities.

Is social media replacing career coaches? It's filling the gap where career coaches should have been but weren't. We're just making it work because we have to.

What are the best TikTok accounts for career advice? Look for creators who work in your field, have real experience (not just "career coaches" with no industry background), and give specific, actionable tips rather than just motivation. Always verify their advice with multiple sources.

How do I know if career advice on social media is legit? Check the creator's background, see if they provide sources, look for specific examples rather than vague promises, and cross-reference with industry professionals. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.