#118 Navigating the Social Media Talent Pool: Skills Checklist and Interview Tips

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to expand your social media marketing efforts. Now you need hands-on expertise to get the project going.

An effective social media manager possesses both technical skills and recent, relevant experience. Here's what to look for when auditioning an applicant. Additionally, there are a few potential “red flag” questions you may want to ask during the interview process to further determine the applicable skill levels.

Technical Skills to Look For:

Content Creation:
    Copywriting: Ability to craft engaging and brand-aligned content.
    Graphic Design: Proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Canva for creating visually appealing posts.

Platform Expertise:
In-depth knowledge of major social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) and their best practices.

Analytics and Reporting:
Competence in using analytics tools to monitor performance metrics and adjust strategies accordingly.

Community Management:
Skills in engaging with followers, managing online communities, and addressing customer inquiries or concerns.

Project Management:
Ability to plan, execute, and oversee social media campaigns, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business objectives.

Expected Experience:

Portfolio: A collection of previous and/or current social media campaigns or content that demonstrate creativity and effectiveness.
References: Feedback from former clients or employers that vouch for the candidate's reliability and skill set.
Adaptability: Experience in adjusting strategies based on evolving trends and platform updates.

Red Flag Interview Questions:

Can you describe a time when you had to handle a social media crisis?
Red Flag: Lack of experience in crisis management or inability to provide a specific example.

How do you stay updated with the latest social media trends and platform changes?
Red Flag: Inability to specify resources or methods for staying informed, indicating a potential lack of commitment to continuous learning.

Can you provide an example of a campaign that didn't go as planned and how you handled it?
Red Flag: Reluctance to discuss past failures or inability to demonstrate problem-solving skills.

How do you approach setting and measuring KPIs for social media campaigns?
Red Flag: Lack of understanding of key performance indicators or reliance solely on vanity metrics without strategic insight.

Describe your experience with paid social media advertising.
Red Flag: Limited or no experience with paid campaigns if your strategy includes paid social efforts.

By focusing on these technical skills, relevant experiences, and being attentive to potential red flags during the interview process, you can select a social media manager who aligns with your company’s goals and can effectively enhance your social media presence.