She Strengthens

Navigating the Early Years of Your Career? Here’s How TikTok Can Help

After completing a post-graduate program, I found myself struggling to find my footing in the professional world. Like many of my peers, I turned to friends for guidance, only to discover that we were all asking ourselves the same questions. How do I communicate effectively with my boss? Should I ask for a raise? And how did my degree lead me to this unrelated field? The uncertainty was overwhelming.

However, I stumbled upon an unlikely source of comfort and insight – TikTok. The social media platform, once synonymous with viral dance videos, has evolved to feature career coaches, hiring managers, and recruiters sharing valuable advice and tips. These 60-second video clips offer actionable guidance on communication strategies, job search techniques, and more.

Marie Buharin, a hiring manager and founder of Modernesse, is one such professional who shares her expertise on TikTok. She believes that the platform provides an accessible way to connect with experienced professionals and gain valuable insights. “I think TikTok is a huge benefit,” she said. “It’s a platform I wish existed when I was in my early 20s.”

Personally, I’ve found TikTok to be an invaluable resource. Content creators like Buharin have helped me rethink my communication style and presentation in the workplace. For instance, I’ve made a conscious effort to remove passive phrases like “Sorry to bother you” from my vocabulary, replacing them with stronger alternatives.

The Importance of Strategic Communication

Effective communication is crucial in the workplace, especially in a virtual environment. Buharin emphasizes the need to strike a delicate balance between confidence and humility, ensuring that tasks are completed and deadlines are met. She also highlights the importance of avoiding passive-aggressive comments, which can hinder productivity and relationships.

In today’s digital age, cultivating a strong work persona is essential. TikTok has provided me with practical advice on job hunting, a skill I’m still refining. Creators like Alexa Shoen and Jeff Magnuson offer valuable insights on expanding my view of what it means to be “qualified” for a job. They emphasize that qualifications aren’t always black and white, and that being competent is key.

Demystifying Job Descriptions

Job descriptions can be daunting, especially for entry-level roles. Shoen and Magnuson attribute this to the influence of multiple stakeholders, resulting in unrealistic expectations. They suggest that larger cultural forces, such as the 2008 recession, have shaped employer expectations and changed the professional landscape.

The Power of Networking

One of the most important takeaways from career-centric TikToks is the importance of targeting the hiring manager and creatively networking with those at your desired company. This requires research, clarity on your goals, patience, and taking risks. As Magnuson puts it, “You have to not be reliant on these [online] systems; you have to go after the hiring manager.”

In conclusion, stumbling upon Professional Development TikTok has been a game-changer for me. It’s reassuring to know that I’m not alone in my questions and uncertainties. The biggest benefit has been learning that I have the power to shape my own career trajectory. As Shoen aptly puts it, “No one else can tell you what you want to do with your career. You have to be the CEO and make the call.”