media update’s Christine Beukes takes you through the five qualities your next interviewer will look for when you apply for that social media manager position.
So you’ve been making social posts since the early
MySpace days – and you knew exactly what to do when Facebook first launched its homepage in 2004. But is that enough?
Not only is a social media manager passionate about the digital world, they also have these five defining qualities that make them the perfect fit for any agency. Wondering if you make the cut?
See if you fit the criteria:
1. You have a comprehensive knowledge of social media platforms
If you know that the length of Twitter posts differ from Facebook – and that Instagram Stories are ephemeral (and you also know what ephemeral means) – then you’ve already got a head start on the rest. But just knowing the length of posts and various terminology might not make you shine in your interview.
You need to stand out with your platform knowledge. For instance, are you up to date with Facebook’s latest algorithm changes? And did you know that LinkedIn has launched several new features in an attempt to appeal to younger users?
Knowing the latest news about these platforms will help you answer any questions your future employer may ask.
So how can you prepare for your next interview?
You can start by asking yourself the following questions:
1. Have I been keeping up with all the latest social media news and updates? (if not, check out media update’s monthly recaps)
2. When did I last refresh my terminology knowledge?
3. Which platforms does the agency I’m applying for focus on, and do I know how to appeal to those audiences?
Once you can answer these questions – with confidence – you’re well on your way to fitting the perfect criteria of a social media manager.
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2. You’re customer-service savvy
It’s not enough nowadays to just take the reins of a company’s platforms and put out a couple of posts. You need to be ready to communicate with the agency’s customers as well – and answer any queries they may have about the company.
This isn’t to say that you need to respond to customers around the clock (you’re not a
chatbot for Pete’s sake!), but you do need to respond as soon as possible. And remember: that response needs to be professional – even if the comment or query was negative.
You know you’re great at customer service if:
1. You know how to answer questions in a timely manner
And you’re not afraid to go the extra mile.
For example: If someone mentions the company in a tweet, asking what time it opens, you immediately respond and tell them not only the time that they open, but you provide the schedule for the week.
Going the extra mile, you also ask them if there is anything specific you can help them with (and provide them with additional contact details).
2. You know how to respond to all negative comments and queries
Did you happen upon a negative review about the company? What do you do? Your answer should be:
respond immediately! Don’t waste time in your response. Address the customer’s problem in a professional manner (even if there’s name calling from their side) and ask them how you can be of assistance. And then,
assist them!
3. You always know to follow up
Once you’ve responded, you know that your job’s not done. Was the customer satisfied with your service? Was your response of any help?
If you’re unsure, ask them. If they had a good experience, make a comment. Tell them how happy you were to be of service. Communication is key – especially when it comes to social media.
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3. You have the ability to execute a solid social media strategy
Have you ever executed a social media strategy? If not, having the
organisational skills,
determination and
ambition to plan and execute a good strategy might do well enough if it’s your first time.
If you
have planned one before, think of how it went at the previous company you worked for. Now, think of ways to improve it. Even if everything went according to plan, know that there is
always room for improvement in everything you do.
A good social media manager knows how to
manage their time well as they have to juggle multiple platforms, and therefore, multiple strategies.
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4. You’re good with numbers – and analytics
Do you keep track of every engagement your posts receive? Most people wonder,
who’s counting? Whereas you live for these numbers.
You’re not just checking the notifications and managing the platforms’ schedules, you also know each and every social analytics tool available out there to make your job as easy as possible.
Here’s a list of tools you can get to know (and maybe name drop) in your next interview:
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5. You’re adaptable
Being adaptable is very important in this role, as you have to be ready for all of the new updates to grow accustomed to – and learn how to use them. This also means having the creative ability to adapt to the brand’s tone of voice.
Has the agency you’re working for decided to rebrand for a different, maybe younger audience? You’ll need to figure out who exactly that audience is (what are their demographics?) and then find out how to appeal to them.
The ability to adapt also means being able to work within flexible time frames. You won’t always be promoting content at the most convenient hours – some last minute promotions might make an appearance, and you’ll have to act immediately.
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Nevertheless, adaptability comes with the territory of being a social media manager. Do you think you have what it takes? What qualities do YOU think make up a great social media manager? Let us know in the comments section below.
Feeling like your social media terminology is not ‘on fleek’? Brush up on your vocabulary by taking a look at the 10 phrases made popular by social media.
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