Last month, the TikTok social media platform launched a new feature designed for Job … [+]
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Last month, the TikTok social media platform launched a new feature that allows job seekers to use the channel for recruiting and job search, and allows job seekers to post video resumes. The social media video sharing service announced in July that it has teamed up with “selected companies” and is inviting job seekers to apply for entry-level jobs to experienced positions at employers such as Chipotle, Target, WWE, Alo Yoga, Shopify , Contra and Movers + Shakers among others.
In a blog post, the company stated, “Interested candidates are encouraged to creatively and authentically showcase their skills and experience and use #TikTokResumes in their caption when posting their video resume on TikTok.”
The program ran until the end of July. While it’s not clear if TikTok will resume the video resume program in the future, the question is whether this could be the future for getting a job.
“Traditional resumes are dying out and will be completely extinct in many areas in the future. They are being replaced with digital ledgers that are more trustworthy and tell a full story,” said Dr. Dustin York, Associate Professor of Communication at Maryville University.
“While TikTok résumés are a small part of that future, they can actually tell a candidate’s quick, digital story – think of that as a visual elevator pitch,” added York. “Marketing and communications departments can find young talent the same way they observe their current industry, social listening. Are you really listening to what users are saying and asking yourself, ‘Is this in line with the mission and goals of our organization?’ “
Social media and job applicants
TikTok is far from the first social media platform used by job seekers and employers alike, and the social platforms are increasingly giving applicants an edge – at least when it comes to certain types of job searches.
“Ziprecruiter, Indeed, Monster, and others have made interactive applications possible for a while,” said James R. Bailey, professor of leadership at the George Washington University School of Business.
“Also, with the advent of editing software, video has become a common part of applications, especially for colleges,” added Bailey. “The point is, audio or video tools have been around for a while to complement a resume. TikTok has a cool factor, but its three-minute max post means it’s not well suited to convincing employers of its knowledge, skills, and abilities. “
More companies are likely to take advantage of social media and the opportunity for applicants to use video to stand out and show skills in a whiteness that a sheet of paper could never provide.
“Social media and other video résumés will become increasingly common,” suggested Bailey. “The problem with the paper résumé is that it conveys education and experience well, but nothing about personality or creativity or other such sought-after qualities. Blended media résumés offer a lot of valuable information that is not recorded on paper. ”
But video can also have its own drawbacks, and while it can show creativity, it may not represent all aspects of a candidate.
“The pitfalls of TikTok résumés are that they by no means tell the full story of an applicant, nor are they the traditional elevator pitch that you have perfected for these conferences or job fairs,” said York. “My students have been creating short video résumés for years, and I tell them that if they really put their skills, goals and motivations into one tight package, they could win an interview with the right organization.”
The right time for the right talent
TikTok’s use of video resumes comes as today’s young adults switch to YouTube for entertainment, follow influencers on popular trends, and even read their news on social media. It is therefore not surprising that Generation Z is looking for career opportunities with video résumés.
“TikTok came at a unique time, and a combination of factors has made it a credible source of potential candidates and recognition for employers at a time when Gen z candidates have many opportunities,” said David Jacobson, JD, professor of global Business strategy on MBAs and online MBAs at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University.
“Gen Z is very pleased with the experience and the ecosystem that is driving its use,” added Jacobson. “While senior management isn’t that comfortable with TikTok, those who work for them are very much at home with it.”
The power of social media for job seekers
Just as Generation Z uses social networks to look for work, employers are also increasingly recognizing the power of platforms to find talent. This was especially true when the pandemic struck last year and the world was turned upside down.
“Companies were willing to try alternative tools, and these alternatives, including TikTok, have proven effective as a recruiting tool,” said Jacobson. “Candidates presenting to prospective employers on Tik Tok are excited to be connected to real people who enjoy their presentation, and these companies are more attractive to those candidates. So the prospect enjoys the TikTok career search and the potential employer gain credibility with potential employees by interacting with them in the TikTok ecosystem. “
However, Bailey cautioned that a social media resume still easily looks like a cheap late night commercial on a local cable network, and suggested that candidates need to be both professional and creative.
“I suspect that resume-specializing social media consultancies are emerging to help candidates put together their mixed-media résumés,” added Bailey. “I bet all of the companies that build and manage websites will find this business, which makes social media résumés even more common.”
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