TikTok is quickly becoming a go-to platform for career advice, as jobseekers and professionals alike turn to videos featuring tips and tricks and the latest job market insight.
Indeed, for some it may seem that #CareerTok is becoming the new LinkedIn, with more than 93,000 videos and counting under the hashtag where people share career lessons, from sending effective emails to taking charge of your next 1:1 with your boss.
But experts are warning that some of the career advice on the video-sharing app could do more harm than good.
Jasmine Escalera, a career expert at Zety, has identified several popular #CareerTok practices that, while seemingly helpful, could ultimately damage a person’s professional standing.
1. White Fonting
One viral TikTok hack, known as “white fonting,” suggests inserting keywords into a résumé in white font, invisible to the naked eye but detectable by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that are used to streamline recruitment and hiring. The goal is to bypass the systems to force your résumé past the initial automated screening, securing you an interview.
But Escalera warned against this tactic: “Though it seems like a clever workaround, using white font can backfire. Recruiters are aware of this trick and often see it as deceptive, which can lead to a loss of credibility and trust,” she told Newsweek.
A file photo of a blonde woman filming a video of herself. A career expert has warned against some viral career tips on TikTok.
mediaphotos/Getty Images
2. Quit Tok
Another controversial trend known as “Quit Tok” involves people sharing videos of the moment they resign. While these videos often gain viral attention and can resonate with people who are unhappy with their job, Escalera warned that they also create a lasting digital footprint.
“Posting one’s resignation on TikTok might gain momentary attention, but it also raises concerns about discretion and professionalism,” she explained. “Potential employers who find these videos could view them as a red flag, questioning whether the individual will exhibit similar behavior at their company.”
3. Bare Minimum Mondays
Mondays can be tough for everyone, but the trend of #BareMinimumMondays encourages employees to start their week by doing the least amount of work possible as a form of self-care.
While taking care of yourself is important, Escalera warned that underperforming like this can backfire.
“This trend promotes the idea that coasting through work at the beginning of the week is acceptable,” she said. “While self-care is important, consistently doing the bare minimum can create a perception of laziness or disengagement.”
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