With 15 years of experience as a career coach, Jasmine Escalera brings a critical eye to the world of TikTok career advice. Working with Zety in Miami, she's particularly concerned about a troubling trend: the practice of "white-fonting" on resumes.
What is white-fonting? It's when job seekers copy and paste a job description's text into their resume using tiny, white-colored font. The intention is to game applicant tracking systems (ATS) by including every possible keyword, theoretically improving their chances of passing automated screenings.
However, Escalera warns that this strategy is fundamentally flawed. Not only do ATS platforms not work this way, but getting caught could have serious consequences. "If a hiring team discovers this, everything about your application comes into question – your qualifications, work history, and professional reputation," she explains.
Finding the Good in Social Media Career Advice
Despite her concerns about practices like white-fronting, Escalera acknowledges there's valuable career guidance on TikTok, particularly around networking strategies.
"The best advice I see focuses on building meaningful professional connections," she notes. "Strong human connections can accelerate your job search far more effectively than shortcuts or desperate measures."
She specifically cautions against "rage-applying" – the practice of frantically submitting applications to dozens of jobs out of frustration. This scatter-shot approach often leads to poor job fits and potentially toxic work environments.
What Works Instead?
Escalera advocates for a more strategic approach to job hunting. One of her favorite networking tips is to craft a compelling personal introduction that clearly communicates your unique value and workplace contributions.
"When you can articulate your skills and goals effectively, it becomes much easier for others in your network to identify opportunities to support your career journey," she explains.
The key takeaway? Focus on building authentic professional relationships rather than trying to outsmart hiring systems. It's a longer-term strategy, but one that leads to better career outcomes.