By Barbara W.
Have you ever had to do an elevator pitch? Here is your chance!
In a world where job searching is no longer confined to resumes and cover letters, TikTok is emerging as an unexpected, but powerful platform for career growth. TikTok is not just for dancing, comedians and crazy teenagers. TikTok has grown into a place where people can network, share industry tips, and even land job interviews.
If you’re exploring new ways to get noticed by recruiters or companies, especially in an unconventional but creative way, TikTok might be worth considering. But creating a “video resume” is very different from sending in a resume online. It takes the right tone, clarity, and focus. Here's what you need to know to do it well:
TikTok has over 1 billion users - many of whom are professionals. It has evolved into more than a social media app and has become a branding platform and career launchpad. In fact, a growing number of recruiters, hiring managers, and companies are using the platform to checkout talent, especially in fields like marketing, design, tech, media, and education. Sixty-second videos allow you to go beyond listing your skills and experience, and actually show who you are - your energy, communication style, values, and personality.
For job seekers, it’s an opportunity to be creative, stand out, and tell your story in a more personal way than a traditional resume might allow. TikTok can supplement a traditional job search; however, it is only one tool. To be successful, you should combine this approach with a professional resume and proper presentation on LinkedIn, as well as searching on company websites.
Consider this as your one-minute visual pitch. Tell you story by sharing your interests and the most relevant details of your career history. Keep it professional and concise, but don’t be afraid to let your personality and energy come through.
Here’s a simple structure to follow: First - establish a TikTok account. It is easy and free.
Speak directly to the camera, use captions or on-screen text for emphasis, and maybe include a few images of you at work. Tailor your message to the requirements and mission of the companies you are hoping to attract, and use Key Words. Keeping your TikTok content under a minute is challenging, but with practice, it will pay off in the end.
Even though TikTok is both informal and creative, your video resume should appear polished and well-structured. Choose a background that won’t distract from your presentation. Dress appropriately for the industry you want to work in. Be clear and confident when speaking, but add your own personality and energy to let people see the authentic you. Check out other TikTok resumes and watch their presentations. Then, upload to TikTok and post it repeatedly and regularly.
In order for your TikTok video to be seen by your target audience, adding “hashtags” will put you at the forefront of their “For You” page. Let people know you are job hunting. Use phrases like “Open to work,” “Seeking opportunities in marketing,” or “Looking for a remote customer success role.” You can say this in the video itself; include it in your captions and add relevant hashtags like:
This helps your video show up on the appropriate pages and gives recruiters a better chance of discovering you.
BRIANNA’S TIKTOK RESUME
Check out an example of a great TikTok Resume at briseaberg. A young woman, Brianna, tells her whole story in under one minute. She established a TikTok profile and photo. She used her university as her background and dressed appropriately for the position she was seeking. The video and audio are of high quality, well-recorded and easy to understand. She included captions to reinforce the information she was sharing, and added hashtags related to the position she was seeking. She also responded to the comments she received on her TikTok Resume presentation.
There are huge numbers of “influencers” on TikTok, touting websites or companies that are hiring. Businesses recognize that there is a whole audience of TikTok users whom they want to capture. So seek out those company profiles and get noticed.
While not every company is hiring through TikTok, most are paying attention. Many companies want to find ways to source younger talent, remote talent or industry specialists, and a presence on TikTok captures their attention. Hiring managers across all businesses and industries are competing to identify the best qualified candidates. So including a TikTok resume in your job search strategy will set you apart.
As with any online platform, not every “opportunity” is legitimate, so be leery of scammers. If someone messages you about a job:
If it feels suspicious, trust your gut. A legitimate recruiter will provide company information, a website, and usually a formal interview process.
These efforts help position you as a serious professional seeking a job, and not just someone hoping to go viral.
Although you are looking for a job and want to present a professional demeanor, TikTok is where you can let your personality shine through. So while you should keep it professional, don't be afraid to reveal your sense of humor or passion for your industry. That human vibe is what sets a TikTok resume apart from a PDF document.
Because fewer candidates have yet to discover the benefits of using a TikTok Resume to apply for jobs, you will have an opportunity to really stand out.
Applying for jobs through TikTok may not be for everyone - but if you’re in the right industry and you use the platform strategically, it can be an amazing tool. A strong video resume lets you tell your story, highlight your skills, speak directly to recruiters, and differentiate yourself from other candidates. If done properly - and with a bit of flare, you may catch the attention of employers, prospective colleagues and also gain some followers along the way.
Just remember: treat the process with intention. Present yourself clearly and professionally, be mindful of scams, and understand which industries are actually engaging on the platform. Combine your video presence with traditional strategies like LinkedIn networking, company outreach, and resume submissions to maximize your chances.
So… get out your phone, plan your message, and show the world what you bring to the table - in 60 seconds or less.