There's no denying bagging a job in digital is pretty tough at the moment. Let's face it: it's one of the fastest growing sectors out there, it's pretty cool and it's constantly changing, so who wouldn't want to work in our sector?
That said, here at Bubble we're more up to date with what's hot and what's not when it comes to digital jobs than probably any other job board out there (in our modest opinion, of course!) - and one sector that we always get a lot of interest in is social media. Yep, social media jobs are always in demand - but unfortunately there aren't always enough jobs to go around so the sector is extremely competitive.
Sound familiar? If you're not having much luck bagging your next (or first) social media job, it might be time to have another look at your application and cover letter. You never know, you might just be making a few simple mistakes that are easy to fix but that can make all the difference to your applications.
Here are the five most common mistakes we see from candidates applying for social media jobs.
1. Not Including Links To Your Profiles: Here at Bubble we're amazed at how many candidates apply for social media jobs and fail to include links to their LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Google+ profiles in their application. Seriously, an employer is looking for a candidate they can trust with their account so it goes without saying that they're going to check out your profiles to make sure you're up to the job.
Think about it; would you expect them to hunt around the internet to find your email address or phone number? No? So don't make them hunt around for your social media profiles! Remember, employers are busy people - you want to make it as easy as possible for them to consider you as a candidate!
2. All Talk And No Action: So you're a 'social media addict' are you? Well why have you only ever sent 14 tweets and why haven't you posted on your Facebook profile in the last two weeks? Seriously, with this type of job, it's not enough to just 'talk the talk', you have to 'walk the walk' too! The first thing employers (Bubble included!) do when taking on social media employees? Check their profiles to see how active they are and what they're talking about.
3. Offensive Material On Personal Profiles: OK, so just because you're eff-ing and blinding all over your own profiles, it doesn't necessarily mean you'd do it on a commercial account but remember, it's all about making a good first impression. Employers want to take on candidates they can rely on and who they'd be proud to employ - not candidates who come as foul-mouthed and nasty. Clever, witty, intelligent is good but arrogant, rude and downright offensive is not! Don't want to reign it in? Well, that's what privacy settings are for...!
4. No Commercial Experience: Now, commercial experience isn't the be-all and end-all when it comes to securing a social media job but having experience of using social media in a business setting can definitely help. Just to clarify; when I say 'commercial' I don't necessarily mean paid! Volunteering to manage a local business' Facebook page or a not-for-profit group's Twitter feed is a great way to get some commercial experience on your CV and to learn the ropes away from an employer's glare.
What's that? You already have experience of social media within a commercial setting? Well why didn't you say?! Remember, employers aren't psychic - you need to make your experience and achievements obvious - and don't forget to include links to the commercial profiles you've managed either!
5. No Real Passion: Social media is one of the most popular areas of the digital sectors - it's full of dedicated, enthusiastic individuals who live, eat and breathe all things social media so in order to secure a job in this field, you need to share their enthusiasm and passion. Think about it; is an employer more likely to take on a candidate who is genuinely obsessed with social media or someone who just has a passing interest?
If you're genuinely committed to a career in social media, you need to be passionate and enthusiastic - employers can see straight through candidates who are just saying certain things for their sake so don't even think about faking it! If you do have a real passion for social media, make sure it's demonstrated in your both your cover letter and CV - and don't forget your cover email!