Entry-Level Jobs in Social Media
By Mark Swartz
Monster Contributing Writer
Tweet this: you can get hired for being a social media wiz. Recent grads and other millennials rejoice! The tools you use to express yourself daily – Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, Vine, YouTube, Instagram, Periscope– can be the basis of a rewarding career.
Of course it takes more than rapid texting and clever hashtags. The key is to know how to reach targeted audiences and get them to behave in pre-defined ways. Adapting content to technical specs is important too.
Social media is a fast paced discipline and like any other occupation there are plenty of entry-level jobs available. Have a look at some typical ones and the skills they require.
The Essence of Social Media Careers
Employers use social media as a method of marketing their products and services. As such it can involve public relations, advertising, promotions, sales and analysis.
Social campaigns are carefully planned. They are meant to have appeal for specified demographic groups. Expect each activity to be tracked and measured for pre-determined outcomes and costs-per-result (this is the disciplined part). Going viral is the Holy Grail.
Jobs that directly involve social media can be divided into four basic categories: creative, analytical, technical and administrative.
Creative Jobs
Despite the increasing rigor of social media measurement, creativity abounds in the field. There is lots of room for people in the arts. A sampling of related entry-level jobs follows:
Writers
Blogger, update creator, content subject matter specialist. Must be able to write and edit material that appeals to different types of readers. Strict deadlines and word counts have to be met. Proficiency with grammar, spelling and SEO is essential.
Visual Artists
Graphics designer, animator, photographer, videographer. Need to create visually arresting material that conforms to marketing imperatives. Use of specialized graphics software for web compatibility is mandatory. Knowledge of latest visual and design trends helpful.
Analytical Jobs
Everything in social media gets measured. Not just the number of likes or re-tweets, but click through rates per media placement, social mentions and conversion to sales. The people who do this have a social media job description like…
Analytics Specialist
An Analytics Specialist uses latest social tracking and quantifying tools. Assesses effectiveness of campaigns (messaging impact, media placement comparisons, cost per result) and translates this data into actionable reports for management. An education in business, math or statistics is suitable. One more thing: Make sure you can write concisely.
Marketing Jobs
Marketing really is at the core of social media. Every Vine video and Instagram post is intended to evoke a response. If you can understand that this is a strategic pursuit, consider jobs like these:
Digital Marketing Coordinator
With your knowledge of audience segmentation and social platform demographics, you’ll provide input to multi-channel marketing plans. You may also monitor the company’s social platforms to ensure the brand is presented appropriately. A business degree or marketing diploma is normally needed.
Communications Planner
This is the public relations side of social media. You might put together virtual press conferences, issue press release blasts and manage online and offline events. A degree or diploma in journalism, communications or public relations could be required.
Administrative Jobs
Do you prefer a position that focuses on customer service? Or how about one that’s heavy on organizing and coordinating? Here’s an example of each.
Online Community Manager
Companies may have virtual communities of customers or suppliers. You’d get involved by fielding questions and responding to comments. In addition you’ll watch for inappropriate content. It’s best suited for someone with strong customer service skills.
Content Coordinator
With multiple social platforms there’s a range of content to manage. Here you’d schedule editorial material (such as posts and updates), and ensure that content providers submit their work on time. You’ll also get exposed to using automated content placement tools (e.g. HootSuite, Buffer, Crimson).
Do Any of These Roles Call Out to You?
At first blush it may have seemed like messaging and design were the main career paths in social media.
Yet the field’s speedy growth presents opportunities in analysis, administration and strategic marketing besides.
You can easily find fresh social media jobs posted on Monster.ca. Before applying, be sure that your own social media presence is buffed and professional. Employers, not surprisingly, will be judging you based on what they see.