Job hunting has changed dramatically for Gen Z, with social media now playing a central role in how young professionals find work. A 2025 study from career site Zety found that 46% of Gen Z have secured jobs through TikTok, and the survey of nearly 900 Gen Z employees found that 92% trust the platform for career advice.
From Layoffs to Luxury Events
NYC-based marketing professional Caroline Schlobohm experienced this firsthand. After being laid off from two jobs within six months, she began documenting her job search on TikTok as something of an experiment, believing her confidence and online savvy could help her stand out. The strategy worked — a private luxury event planner noticed her videos and hired her, leading to work on high-profile events including a multimillion-dollar wedding in Tuscany. Though she later lost that position, Schlobohm says she now treats her social media presence as a professional portfolio that continues shaping her career prospects.
Unconventional Tactics Gain Traction
Other job seekers are taking equally bold approaches. Some have hidden resumes inside donut boxes delivered directly to employers, while others have taken temporary service jobs at industry events simply to get face time with decision-makers. One especially striking example came from 25-year-old Sam Rabinowitz, who after submitting over a thousand applications with no response, spent a significant portion of his savings on a handmade sign and stood outside the New York Stock Exchange advertising himself for finance roles. The stunt generated real interviews and networking opportunities — proving that in today’s job market, creativity and visibility can matter as much as a polished resume.