Young professionals belonging to Gen Z are increasingly using social media platforms to navigate their job searches while grappling with fears that artificial intelligence (AI) may dictate their career trajectories. A recent report by Zety, a resume template service, highlights that a significant portion of this generation is actively changing their career plans due to these concerns.
The report, which surveyed nearly 1,000 Gen Z employees in the United States, found that 43% of respondents have already altered their career paths as a direct response to AI’s growing influence in the workforce. Additionally, 40% are taking the initiative to acquire new skills or certifications to enhance their employability.
Concerns about job security are prevalent among these young workers. More than half of those surveyed expressed skepticism about whether their college education would shield them from AI-related job losses. Specifically, 53% of respondents are exploring what they perceive as more stable career paths, such as blue-collar or skilled trade roles.
Shifts in Career Preferences Driven by AI Concerns
According to Jasmine Escalera, a career expert at Zety, this shift reflects a deep desire for purpose, security, and control in an increasingly automated world. She refers to this trend as the “AIxiety Pivot,” describing a movement among professionals who are proactively altering their career trajectories due to uncertainties surrounding AI.
Escalera noted, “Trade jobs offer hands-on work that’s difficult to automate.” The sentiment resonates with many graduates who find that their degrees do not necessarily lead to jobs in their fields, prompting them to consider more practical and in-demand alternatives. Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor at Builder, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the appeal of trade careers in providing stability.
Social Media’s Role in Job Searches
The findings from Zety’s report also shed light on the unique ways Gen Z is leveraging social media for career opportunities. Remarkably, 46% of respondents reported securing jobs or internships through TikTok, a platform not traditionally associated with professional networking. This contrasts sharply with their millennial counterparts, who often rely on LinkedIn for job searches.
Instead, 76% of Gen Z members turn to Instagram for career-related content and advice, with a striking 95% stating they would check a company’s social media presence before applying for a position. Escalera remarked, “Social media has become today’s career classroom. It’s where young workers are learning, networking, and finding opportunities — but also where they’re developing a sharper sense of what kind of work aligns with their values.”
This generational shift underscores a fundamental change in how young individuals approach their careers. As they confront the dual challenges of a changing job market and the rise of AI, Gen Z is demonstrating an adaptive spirit, seeking out opportunities in both traditional and unconventional ways.
