In today’s world of scrolling and swiping, you don’t need a 30-minute webinar or a glossy brochure to spark career inspiration.

You need a TikTok.
Or an Instagram Reel.
Or a SchooLinks video.

That’s right—the most effective early talent strategy right now may take less than three minutes to deliver.

The Power of Short-Form Video

Gen Z and Gen Alpha live in a video-first world. They learn, laugh, and dream through content that's fast, authentic, and visually driven. If you're trying to expand awareness of career paths—especially those in industries that don’t get much spotlight—short-form video is your best friend.

Imagine:

• A 60-second clip of a 21-year-old welder sharing how she bought her first house.
  
  
• A day-in-the-life reel of a first-year nurse talking about their favorite (and hardest) parts of the job.
  
  
• A cybersecurity intern answering a career-exploring 8th grader what surprised him most about working in tech.
  
  

That’s not just content. That’s career exposure—in a format students actually want to watch.

• Relatable Faces

When students see real young people—peers, not polished actors—sharing honest stories about their jobs, it reshapes their idea of who belongs in those roles. It’s not a corporate pitch; it’s someone like them, making it work.

• Accessible Format

Short-form videos feel informal, approachable, and low-pressure. For students who aren’t actively job-searching, this type of content is easy to watch—and easier to relate to—than a long webinar or slick brochure.

• Attention Span

Let’s face it: attention is scarce. A powerful 30-60 second video can hook a student faster than any brochure. You don’t need a full explainer—just a moment that sparks curiosity and starts a conversation.

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Make It Happen

You don’t need a big budget or a film crew. Just:

1. Identify a few engaging early-career employees or interns.

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2. Head to SchooLinks; select “Answer Student Questions” 

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3. Scan the QR code and ask them to share a quick, honest story about their job, how they got there, or what surprised them.

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4. Repeat.
   
   

Now millions of students nationwide will learn from YOU about your organization and industry, right where they are explicitly seeking career guidance.

Apply this same logic to TikTok, Instagram, Youtube, etc.  

If you want to expand your early talent pipeline, don’t wait for students to find you. Meet them where they are—and show them what’s possible in 180 seconds or less.

Want support from SchooLinks to get set up to deliver high impact content to our network of districts nationwide? Create a free account or reach out to our team.