This newest generation of job seekers, often referred to as Gen-Z, seems to be breaking away from traditional methods of searching for employment and forging their own innovative paths. They’ve been shaped by technology since birth and are quite comfortable using their digital knowledge and video-making prowess to step up the job search game. According to survey results from Morning Consult, 54% of Gen-Zers say they spend at least 4 hours on social media every day, specifically interacting with visual media. This same survey reveals that Gen Z spends more time on mobile devices and streams more content than any other generation. So, when it comes to looking for job opportunities, it’s probably no surprise that the video-driven TikTok app has become the new LinkedIn for this generation.
What Makes Gen-Z Tik?
Gen-Z prefers to watch short-form video content made by creators they feel they can relate to, which is much different from the more professional production-type videos where every detail is perfectly staged and orchestrated. The amateur video quality and transparency of the creators within a short video is what makes Gen-Z flock to TikTok.
What Does That Mean for Your Recruitment Efforts?
Look beyond typical recruitment strategies and consider including TikTok in your online arsenal to expand your company’s reach to the Gen-Z set. Our recommendation is to post a series of TikTok videos that encourage Gen-Zers to want to join your team— like summarized short-version videos focusing on company benefits and the hands-on experiences you have to offer. With this medium, there are endless opportunities to strengthen your brand, educate job seekers, and position your company as a thought leader in your specific business niche.
Your posts could:
-Showcase Your Company Culture – Give potential recruits a peek into ‘a day in the life’ at your company. It’s a prime opportunity for branding and employee interviews.
-Explain Your Onboarding Program – Take recruits on a virtual office tour, introduce them to the main players at the company and educate them on how they will be trained for success.
-Consider TikTok Resumes – You’ll find millions of video resumes on this new platform, with Gen Z job hunters leading the way. Make uploading a TikTok resume an option on your website to at expand your candidate field.
-Collaborate With Influencers – Tap into influencers who are creating relatable work content or, better yet, partner with your own employees who have large followings.
-Create a Hashtag Challenge – Videos participating in trends tend to attract attention and get picked up by the algorithm. Make sure the trend you’re starting is something that enhances your company brand.
Want to Get Started?
If the app is not already part of your tool kit, you might want to consider adding it right now…it’s free and easy. Just download it like you would with any app, set up your profile, and start creating and posting relevant content to attract an expanded pool of potential job seekers.
If you’ve already had recruiting experiences with Gen-Z & TikTok, we’d love to keep this conversation going. Over the years, The Jakes Group has helped numerous companies with their recruitment strategies…from the more traditional to the innovative – and we’re here to help with ways we can all become part of the Gen-Z conversation.