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TikTok wants to offer you more than simple pointless entertainment – now it wants to too help you find a job—By inviting users to submit video résumés for jobs from participating companies such as Chipotle or Target. The pilot program, called TikTok Resumes, is aimed at Generation Z job seekers looking for entry-level positions outside of college. Here’s what you need to know.
What are TikTok resumes?
TikTok eschews the familiar cover letter and résumé and encourages users to highlight their skills and work experience by posting a personal essay video on a public # TikTokResumes channel. You can also submit your video for jobs directly; a new job offers page features open positions for the NBA, Shopify, Forever 21, NASCAR, and the WWE (the submission form for these positions also allows you to provide a LinkedIn URL).
Employers will then review the videos and arrange interviews with applicants directly. For the time being, the pilot program will only apply to job vacancies in the US – through July 31st. The positions currently listed are mostly entry-level positions at retail chains, although there are also positions for applicants who have strong content creation and social media skills.
What is a video resume?
TikTok says that a video resume should and highlight your skills or experience “in a creative way.” You can find examples of good video résumés here. For more tips on making a great video and submitting it to the TikTok job board, please visit check out this video, also.
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Since these videos are on a public channel, TikTok recommends not including personal information such as an email address in your video – companies can contact you directly through the app.
Will video resumes be the new way to apply?
While well-produced video essays could help companies find content creation talent, it’s less clear why those skills are needed for an entry-level job at Target. In fact, it could be argued that a video format makes a candidate more prone to being fired early in the hiring process based on how he looks or acts in front of the camera, even if his experience qualifies him for the position.
Also, it’s not obvious why these videos need to be public other than generating free content for TikTok. Before video résumés can be widely accepted, these concerns should be addressed.
