TLDR: Ask this strategic question (and more if you’d like) to reveal if the job/role fits you + your boundaries well, and to reveal any potential ????????????
Hey, my name is Eric Aaberg, and I’m a Social Media Strategist & Content Creator. I’ve worked in social media for over 7+ years, and have been a part of some cool brands/teams: Dallas Cowboys, Complexity, Optic/Envy, Dallas Fuel, Dallas Empire, Evil Geniuses, UT Dallas Esports, and even Discord.
I frequently talk about social media tips for building your personal brand and even your company’s brand.
As someone who’s worked 7+ years in social media… the MOST important thing I ask during interviews is this: ????????
“What is the social media department’s team dynamic like, and how does this role fit that picture?”
“Hold up… you’ve worked 7+ years in social media?!”
Yes… I ran social media + marketing efforts for a few Minecraft Servers in 2015-2018 that generated over 30k-150k in digital sales per month).
The biggest ???? I’ve seen in job postings are outdated terminology, vague job descriptions, non-transparent pay ranges, and a “unicorn” expectation for social media jobs.
It’s 2023: That method of hiring 1 person to manage all social media efforts doesn’t work anymore.
This is something I have observed ➡️ which is why you can work freelance to have the ability to choose and set your roles/boundaries (what I’m doing rn).
You see a single Social Media Manager, treated/paid like an entry-level role, and expected to be that “unicorn”.
I’ve seen so many companies & hiring managers to be super vague with salary ranges/job descriptions, and instead reveal what the salary is AFTER A FEW INTERVIEWS.
Why not post that publicly and save both of us our time, okay?
So back to my question: “What is the social media department’s team dynamic like, and how does this role fit that picture?”
This:
– Reveals the social team structure (ie. we have 2 coordinators, 1 producer, etc.)
– Shows how this role fits into the puzzle
– Demonstrates interest
It can also save you from an awkward situation when you’re onboarded and THEN revealed that you’re the only one running social media…
You could additionally ask how the Social Media Dept and Marketing Dept collaborate together ➡️ see if they actually separate the two.
Chances are, smaller/startup organizations may not have the budget for two separate teams. Can be fine, but needs to be clear/transparent upfront and compensated for.
SMMs shouldn’t be managing emails, non-social marketing efforts, or a “unicorn” (unless you’re paying them $$)
Another ???? I’ve seen:
Marketing & Social Media operate in two separate directions.
This is NOT how it should be.
Marketing & Social Media should follow the same brand voice/direction, but each has its own efforts & goals that support the other (and support the brand).
TLDR: Ask this strategic question (and more if you’d like) to reveal if the job/role fits you + your boundaries well, and to reveal any potential ????????????
The last thing you want is to get yourself in a new role that you’re hyped about, only to be restricted/in a bad dynamic.
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