More than the actual platforms, the top search results for "video resumes" are guides on how to nail them. That points to the fact that although innovations in HR tech are exciting, they can provide an uncomfortable or even detrimental challenge to potential new hires.

Earlier this year, TikTok piloted "TikTok Resumes" to help Chipotle, Shopify, Target, WWE and other employers drum up fresh talent. (It’s safe to say TikTok’s objective was to attract Generation Z workers, as Gen Z is the heart and soul of the video platform.) Similarly, McDonald’s tried their hand at "Snaplications" via Snapchat, which garnered 3,000 job applications in the first 24 hours.

In many ways, Gen Z workers continue to be harbingers of workplace change. See: their advocacy for technological autonomy and the way they champion diversity and inclusion. But looking at Tallo’s survey of more than 1,500 Gen Zers, there’s evidence to suggest the group isn’t as keen on innovation in the form of video resumes.

Following TikTok’s buzzy program and earlier survey on social media job recruiting, Tallo researchers sought to answer two questions. First, are Gen Zers actually cool with using TikTok for the job search? Secondly, how comfortable are Gen Z job seekers with video resumes as a concept? 

Tallo’s pool of Gen Zers were less than thrilled. While 36% of respondents said they’re "somewhat comfortable" making a video resume, 48% of respondents said they’re either "somewhat uncomfortable" or "very uncomfortable" making a video resume. Only 12% said they’re "very comfortable."

Tallo’s research team found two key reasons at the crux of their respondents' discomfort. For one, video resumes aren’t quite an introvert’s cup of tea. Compared to 65% of extroverts, only 40% of introverts surveyed said they feel comfortable creating video resumes. More importantly, diversity and inclusion concerns are top of mind: 56% of Tallo respondents said they think video interviews would increase bias.

But Tallo’s survey offers a sliver of a silver lining — particularly, for employers in the arts and entertainment industries. Of Gen Zers surveyed by Tallo, only 7% said video resumes should be used for professional summaries, relaying work experience or hard skills, respectively. Meanwhile, 72% said that video resumes should be used to display creativity and personality.

Pro tip for employers who’d like to stick with video resumes: TikTok is not Gen Z’s first — or third, or fourth — choice for video resumes, according to the group Tallo surveyed. In Tallo’s survey, naturally, 65% of respondents said Tallo. LinkedIn came in second at 46% of respondents. "Job board sites" like ZipRecruiter and Indeed (which just rolled out a video application function this year) came in third at 43%. Meanwhile, 37% said online portfolios, 30% said Instagram, 30% said YouTube and then 29% said TikTok would be their preferred platform for comfortably uploading a video resume.

Data suggests it’s better to leave TikTok for comedy sketches and dancing.