Struggling to get interviews?
Below, we’ll show you how to create your own video resume for TikTok to market yourself and apply for jobs creatively and persuasively.
What is a TikTok resume?
This video explains everything you need to know about TikTok resumes:
@resumegenius Have you ever seen or heard of TikTok resumes? ? More employers and companies now are requiring candidates to submit video resumes to open roles! This new, nontraditional resume format can be great for creative industries, or for jobs where you want to showcase your personality and skills visually. ? ? For the guide on tips to follow and mistakes to avoid, comment “VIDEO” and we’ll send it to you! #videoresume #tiktokresume #visualresume #videocv #tiktokcv #digitalmarketing #socialmedia ♬ original sound – Resume Genius | Career Tips
A TikTok resume is a kind of video resume that’s made using TikTok. It’s great for certain industries, like graphic design, charity/political campaigning, fashion, and cooking or bartending, because you can showcase your skills visually in a way that a traditional paper resume just can’t.
Surprisingly, a recent Job Seeker Insights Survey found that 20% of Gen Z respondents have landed interviews over TikTok.
How do you create a TikTok resume?
There’s no agreed-upon standard for making a TikTok resume, but there are things you can do to make yours stand out from the rest.
1. Set up a professional TikTok profile
Create a separate profile on TikTok for your professional portfolio and job search.
Keep your profile focused on your work to show employers that you’re serious about what you do.
Use a professional profile photo and video to show employers you’re serious about the job opportunity. For your profile photo, pick a professional headshot.
2. Decide the length of your TikTok resume
Videos you record in-app can be anywhere from 15 seconds to 10 minutes long.
Finding the right video length for your TikTok resume depends on several factors:
- What information you want to include
- What specific shots you want to show
- If you’re applying for a specific position or just making a generic resume
- The attention span of your audience
3. Make your TikTok resume dynamic and engaging
When recording your TikTok resume, consider filming it in multiple locations or with different backgrounds. Filming in multiple locations will keep your video interesting and help hold the viewer’s attention much better than standing in front of a whiteboard or sitting at a desk.
Additionally, wear the same type of clothing you will wear to an interview. If you include scenes of you doing your job, wear your standard work attire.
4. Introduce your biggest relevant achievements and qualifications first
Just like a conventional resume, a TikTok resume needs to start with your most notable professional accomplishments.
On a traditional resume, your resume introduction grabs the employer’s attention to keep them reading. On a TikTok resume, you need to achieve the same effect in the first part of your video. For example, you might say:
“Hello, my name is Justin Bronner, and I’d be a great fit for the Digital Marketing Manager position at Crowne Digital because in my current role, I introduced a new content strategy that increased our website’s CTR by 47% in just six months.”
This introduction catches the viewer’s interest by illustrating a key achievement with hard numbers.
Remember that every second of your TikTok resume matters. The app trains users to quickly swipe away from anything that doesn’t pop, so start your video resume with something that will hook the viewer.
5. Detail your background
After you’ve summarized your key accomplishments, add more details about your background and why you’re uniquely qualified for the role.
List your most relevant skills, education, certifications, and any previous training you have. And most importantly, demonstrate your passion for the job and experience with clips of you performing it, training for it, or learning about it.
Add visual elements like simple on-screen text to emphasize key information, but avoid overloading the viewer with too many words or graphics.
6. End by restating your interest
Once you’ve finished outlining why you’re the right person for the job, do the following:
- Reiterate your interest
- Provide your availability for an interview
- Give the hiring manager your contact information
For example, you might say:
“Like I said, I’d make a great social media coordinator at [Company Name]. I’m happy to talk with you at any time about the position. You can get in touch with me my sending me a DM, or emailing me at murasaki.artist@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing back from you!”
Add your contact information as on-screen text and put it in the video description as well.
Don’t share other personal information, like your address or phone number, over TikTok, because it could lead to identity theft.
About the Author
Nathan Soto is dedicated to providing practical guidance to job seekers, especially people with nonlinear career paths.
Nathan graduated from the University of Nevada with a double B.A. in French and Music. His articles and career advice have been featured on multiple platforms, offering insights into resume writing, interview preparation, and personal branding.
