Despite being fairly successful at using non-traditional platforms to land jobs and network, Gen Z also fall victim to harmful or misleading professional advice on social media.
That is one of the key takeaways from a new report from resume templates service Zety. Its Gen Z Misinfluence Report, which polled more than 900 Gen Z workers, explored how this generation of workers uses social media platforms to navigate their professional lives. The report reveals a massive generational shift in the job search process.
Key findings from the report include:
- The trust gap: All Gen Z respondents (100%) use social media for career advice, with nearly half (45%) trusting creators and influencers more than traditional recruiters or career coaches.
- The cost of “misinfluence”: Despite high trust levels, an astonishing 94% of Gen Z admit to following viral career advice that was misleading or negatively impacted their job search. And 36% say they have quit a job as a result of advice they saw on social media.
- Social media as a job board: 69% of Gen Z have successfully secured a job through Instagram, while 28% have done so through TikTok.
- The “vibe check” recruitment barrier: Almost all (99%) of Gen Z research a company’s social media before applying, and 63% will walk away if the content feels “overly polished” or inauthentic.
“Gen Z is turning to social media for career guidance because it feels accessible, relatable, and immediate,” Zety career expert Jasmine Escalera, PhD, said in a statement. “But the same speed and virality that make this advice appealing also make it hard to verify. Employers who want to connect with Gen Z don’t need to compete with these platforms—they can use them strategically, sharing transparent, substantive, and authentic content that builds trust and attracts the next generation of talent.”
The rise of the “social media career coach”
Social media has become the ultimate career counselor for Gen Z. All respondents (100%) report using social platforms for career advice or tips, and 45% trust career advice from social media more than traditional sources (career coaches, recruiters, etc.).
When seeking out advice, Gen Z strongly prefers highly visual and creator-led platforms:
- YouTube (80%)
- Instagram (73%)
- Facebook (40%)
- X (38%)
- TikTok (32%)
- Reddit (30%)
- LinkedIn (26%)
Viral advice is driving major life decisions (and mistakes)
This advice isn’t just passive consumption, it’s driving major career shifts. Based on tips they’ve seen online, Gen Z workers report taking the following real-world actions:
- Changed industries or fields (60%)
- Started a side hustle (41%)
- Quit their job (36%)
- Began freelancing or gig work (31%)
- Negotiated pay (27%)
- Enrolled in a course or certification program to build skills (16%)
However, relying on unverified viral content comes with severe risks, the report says. Despite placing immense trust in these platforms, a staggering 94% of Gen Z admit they have followed social media career advice that proved to be misleading or harmful to their job search.
Gen Z’s job search playbook
When it comes to building professional connections and finding open roles, traditional networking is taking a back seat. With 98% of Gen Z effectively using social platforms to land jobs, this generation is bypassing professional sites in favor of everyday consumer apps.
Respondents report successfully securing a job or internship through platforms such as:
- Instagram (69%)
- Facebook (39%)
- X (36%)
- Reddit (30%)
- TikTok (28%)
The following platforms are also used to network:
- Instagram (74%)
- Facebook (38%)
- Reddit (33%)
- TikTok (29%)
- X (28%)
The “vibe check”: What deters Gen Z from employers
For companies trying to recruit younger workers, it’s crucial to maintain a positive social media presence. The data shows that nearly all (99%) of Gen Z workers use social media to research a company before applying.
These are the biggest social media red flags that can quickly turn Gen Z candidates away:
- Overly polished or inauthentic marketing content (63%)
- Posts with political or controversial statements unrelated to the job (59%)
- Inconsistent or confusing messaging across company platforms (44%)
- Negative comments from customers, clients, or previous employees (24%)
- Excessive focus on perks or superficial achievements over meaningful work (22%)
Methodology: The findings presented are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by Zety on Feb. 23, 2026. The survey collected responses from 919 Gen Z workers and examined their use of social media for career guidance, networking, job searching, skill-building, and decision-making, including the real-world actions taken based on advice found on digital platforms.
Photo credit: Berke Citak/Unsplash
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