Learn How Gen Z Is Using Social Media To Find Jobs In 2025

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New Report Reveals TikTok’s Role in Job Hunting and Career Decisions

Zety®, a career service dedicated to helping individuals enhance their resumes and cover letters, has released its 2025 Gen Z Career Trends Report, shedding light on how social media is revolutionizing job searches for young professionals. The survey, conducted among nearly 900 Gen Z employees, highlights how platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter/X are shaping career decisions, job search strategies, and workplace expectations for this digitally native generation.

“Gen Z is not just using social media for entertainment—they’re turning to it as a trusted career resource,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at Zety.

Key Findings from the Report

46% of Gen Z has secured a job or internship through TikTok.
92% trust TikTok for career advice, yet 55% admit to following misleading advice on the platform.
76% rely on Instagram for career content, more than double the usage of LinkedIn (34%).
95% say a company’s social media presence influences their decision to apply, with 48% valuing DEI initiatives in hiring content.
Trending workplace movements such as Quiet Quitting (47%), Career Cushioning (48%), and Job Hopping (55%) continue to shape Gen Z’s approach to careers.
48% feel social media creates unrealistic expectations about career growth and success.

Social Media as the New Career Hub

Gen Z is prioritizing Instagram and TikTok over LinkedIn when it comes to career resources:

76% use Instagram for career advice and job-related content, more than twice the number who use LinkedIn (34%).
52% turn to TikTok for career insights, reinforcing the platform’s growing influence.
Gen Z is more likely to connect with industry professionals on Instagram (66%) than on LinkedIn (35%).
46% have landed jobs or internships via TikTok, while 64% have found career opportunities through Instagram.

The Rise of #CareerTok

TikTok has emerged as a dominant platform for career advice, blending valuable insights with viral career trends. While 92% of Gen Z trust TikTok for career tips, 55% acknowledge having followed misleading advice from the platform.

Popular TikTok-driven career trends include:

Job Hopping — Frequently switching jobs for better opportunities (55%)
Career Cushioning — Exploring backup options while employed (48%)
Quiet Quitting — Doing only the minimum required (47%)
Bare Minimum Monday — Minimal effort at the start of the week to prevent burnout (42%)
Act Your Wage — Setting work boundaries based on pay (37%)
Rage Applying — Mass applying for jobs due to workplace frustration (21%)

Gen Z’s Career Content Preferences

Gen Z values career-related content that is practical, relatable, and aligned with their personal and professional aspirations. The most engaging types of content include:

Career advancement tips (61%)
Job search strategies, resume advice, and interview tips (60%)
Personal success stories and “day-in-the-life” videos (57%)
Workplace culture insights, including DEI initiatives (50%)
Emerging job market trends and AI-related career insights (41%)
Inspirational/motivational content, including work-life balance tips (16%)

How Social Media Affects Hiring Decisions

A company’s online presence has never been more critical in attracting Gen Z talent:

95% of Gen Z consider a company’s social media presence before applying.
Content showcasing workplace culture (61%), company achievements (62%), and employee experiences (50%) significantly impacts interest in applying.
48% are more likely to apply to companies that emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The Power of Personal Branding

As social media plays an increasing role in hiring decisions, Gen Z is acutely aware of their digital footprint:

78% believe employers review candidates’ social media profiles as part of the hiring process.
75% follow career influencers for job advice and networking opportunities.
48% strongly feel that social media sets unrealistic expectations about career growth and success.

“This generation is redefining how companies interact with potential employees. Social media is often the first place they go to get a sense of what a company stands for and how it aligns with their values,” Escalera added.

For more insights from the 2025 Gen Z Career Trends Report, visit zety.com/blog/genz-career-trends-report or contact Skyler Acevedo at [email protected].