Andy’s Answers: What to look for when hiring for your social media team
With the explosive growth of social media and the success that companies are having, we’re seeing more and more brands expanding their teams and a whole new set of employee skills emerging. While adding talent to your social media team isn’t much different than doing it for other departments, there are a few special things to consider.
Things to think about:
- Passion for the brand and what you do is everything. Does the candidate have a clear and demonstrated love for what you stand for and what you’re trying to do? They’re about to be your first impression online, and it’s something you can’t teach.
- Twitter followers and Facebook friends are overrated. While an understanding of the tools and how to use them effectively is critical, any spammer can amass a couple thousand followers on Twitter.
- Do they love helping people? Look for the candidates that find joy in helping people and surprising them with fantastic service. They’ll be the first to turn former critics into fans and happy customers into evangelists. (Hint: Ask them if they’ve ever worked in customer service and what they thought of it.)
Related posts:
Tags: hiring, social media strategy, training
Categories: Andy's Answers
Permalink
Posted by Twitter Trackbacks for SmartBlog On Social Media » Andy’s Answers: What to look for when hiring for your social media team [smartblogs.com] on Topsy.com on September 22nd, 2009 at 6:43 am
[...] SmartBlog On Social Media » Andy’s Answers: What to look for when hiring for your social media te… smartblogs.com/socialmedia/2009/09/22/andys-answers-what-to-look-for-when-hiring-for-your-social-media-team – view page – cached Andy’s Answers: What to look for when hiring for your social media team — From the page [...]
Posted by David Teicher @Aerocles on September 22nd, 2009 at 6:48 am
I agree with your criteria and have one to add, though I may be a bit biased. I’ve found that having a background in Public Relations has helped me in achieving a holistic, big-picture, understanding of Social Media. Whether your a b2b or b2c business, ad shop, marketing agency, or putting together customer service team – that understanding of PR can be invaluable in when determining the best course of action and strategy for employing social media.
Other than that, and this depends on the nature of your business and the exact function of your team, the talent & experience should range across all spectrum and ages. You want people that know the tech side & can develop apps & widgets but you also want older members of your team who can handle a social media crisis, and others still with an understanding of the advertising and marketing realm.
Just my $.02
David
Posted by Trusted v. Untrusted « Cut Me Some Flack on September 23rd, 2009 at 9:40 am
[...] how do you spot qualities in the ones you can trust? SmartBlog on Social Media @SBoSM put up a great post about some of the less tangible qualities one should consider in candidates as they build their [...]
Posted by June Collins on September 23rd, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Enthusiasm is contagious. When a Social Media person possesses this trait and whose desire is for your business to succeed is key. However, also engaging followers is important to.
Posted by cathy taylor on September 23rd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Agree with you Andy but I would also add to point number 3: Make sure the social media team is empowered to solve problems. If not, these individuals are no more effective than the customer service representatives who answer the phone.
Posted by Jenny Wilmshurst on September 23rd, 2009 at 9:11 pm
This is a well abbreviated list that captures some of the important aspects. However some would use this to hire based on attitude without considerations for more strategic needs.The one strategic aspects this list does mention is the use of the Social Media tools beyond broadcast and spamming. I believe the strategic aspects are vital. Here is a further explanation of that in Tweet Twins blog http://bit.ly/SocMedhiring
Posted by JNFerree on September 26th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
I’m glad to read I’m not the only one who thinks having a boatload of Follower and Fans is way over rated unless the connection was the outcome of interaction of consequence. Sorry I can’t tell you which Twitter post sent me to your blog, coz the dam page loads so fast, but I’m sure I’ll see if again and when I do. I’ll let you know who to thank. Nice post by the way – Neil
Posted by Andy on September 30th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Hey thanks for the tip Andy. Good stuff. I’m looking for a replacement soon in my SIM what other things should I look for?