Career Advice Goes Viral: How TikTok is Reshaping the Way Young Professionals Plan Their Futures 

When it comes to career advice, TikTok is trending amongst young people. Find out why.

By Kayla McCain

Tiktok

Not too long ago, young professionals turned to college guidance counselors or scoured LinkedIn for career advice from seasoned execs. Today, Gen Z and millennials are getting their guidance somewhere else – TikTok. The app has quickly become a go-to for career tips, offering real-world insight in a format that feels authentic, relatable and refreshingly unfiltered. 

With TikTok career advice on the rise, more young professionals are turning to creators who share advice that feels authentic, accessible, and grounded in real experience. Influencers speak directly to their audience with a transparency that resonates. From burnout to bold career pivots after 30, the content is rooted in empathy and makes viewers feel seen. 

Career Advice on TikTok 

So, what kind of conversations are happening on “career” TikTok? It ranges from navigating the 9-to-5 grind to surviving toxic workplaces. Users share tips on negotiating salaries, landing promotions or refining résumés to catch a hiring manager’s eye.  

Sure, LinkedIn provides solid tips from hiring managers, but TikTok delivers career advice that is not only relatable but also digestible. Complex topics become approachable and only take a few minutes to consume while conversations in the comments create a sense of community for users seeking guidance. 

Thanks to short, educational bursts, TikTok users can find help for whatever issue they’re facing. Its algorithm also tailors content to user behavior – one search leads to more advice, each piece feeling curated to the job seeker. 

Whether the content is focused on career talk, side hustles or humor, TikTokers find “their people” and feel like they can join the conversation. They’re no longer listening to stiff hiring managers give generic interview tips – they’re absorbing real-world advice from peers they trust. 

The Pros and Cons of TikTok Career Advice 

While TikTok is an endless resource for career seekers, it comes with pros and cons. The positive? It’s accessible, relatable, and packed with diverse perspectives in short-form content. If you’re looking for specific advice, chances are you’ll find it. 

The downside? TikTok can fit your narrative if you let it. With countless creators discussing workplace toxicity and burnout, users can land in an echo chamber, reinforcing fear or frustration instead of finding solutions. Plus, unverified advice can spread misinformation. Relying on someone online without doing your own research can cost you. 

Regardless, TikTok shouldn’t be anyone’s end-all, be-all when it comes to career advice. While the content can be incredibly valuable, it’s important to remember that not all advice applies universally. It’s still up to you to seek out content that aligns with your career goals and, when needed, turn to trusted connections who understand your unique career path. 

Who Are People Turning to for Career Advice on TikTok? 

As more young professionals turn to TikTok for career guidance, certain creators have become trusted voices: 

  • @erinmcgoff shares actionable advice on resumes, job interviews, and building workplace confidence. 
  • @workhap offers career strategy tips, especially for those looking to break into tech. 
  • @selfmademillennial – Known for her “Self-Made Millennial” brand, she delivers high-impact advice on interviews, promotions, and personal branding. 

 

About the Author

Kayla McCain is an Influencer Relations Strategist at CS-Effect. She is a social media marketing professional with a passion for storytelling, strategy, and building genuine connections between brands and their audiences. One of her core specialties is influencer marketing—developing thoughtful campaigns that align the right voices with the right messages to drive awareness, engagement, and growth. You can find out more about Kayla here: www.cs-effect.com/kayla-mccain

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