The social media industry is a little different to your traditional career path.While the industry is relatively new, it has really started to boom over the past few years and is showing absolutely no sign of slowing down in 2023. This is seeing more and more people from different backgrounds looking to try their luck at turning it into a career.But where do you get started?Here are our top 5 tips if you’re thinking about pursuing a career in social media in 2023!
1. Complete some social media training
This one seems like a bit of a no-brainer, but it’s certainly worth a mention as it is a surefire way to put yourself directly in the frame with any job you choose to chase after in the industry. Social media is an extremely complex tool that has multiple layers across a range of different platforms. Sure, you can probably find everything you need on YouTube, but unless you are extremely confident in what you need to learn, it can end up feeling like you’re just watching endless videos without getting any clear answers, let alone learning new skills.Social media training will lay out the key things you need to learn to kickstart your career in social media, in an order that actually makes sense. Not to mention you will receive an actual certification that you can put on your resume and LinkedIn. SMC’s Social Media Marketing Intensive Course is a 9-week program that covers all the major social media platforms and principles and will make you immediately employable as a social media marketer.Learn more about the course here.
2. Have a personal social media presence
In 2023, you best believe all employers are going to be doing a little reconnaissance work on your social media profiles to see if you know what you are doing.Having a strong social media presence for your own channels proves to an employer that you know your way around a strategy and have been successful at implementing it, even if it’s just for yourself.Focus on creating great content, being active, generating as much engagement as possible and growing your following. These are all important skills that all businesses will hold in high regard when looking for social media staff.
3. Understand the differences between roles
Social media jobs can be confusing. There are so many different titles and levels that it can be overwhelming to know which position you are best suited for and what skills are required.When you are looking for a job in social media, it’s super important to understand what each role requires. A Community Manager is very different from a Social Media Strategist - it’s up to you to know that difference going in.Most employers will post this on the job listing itself, including the experience required and what the day-to-day will look like. However, knowing what position is best suited for you before you start searching will save you a significant amount of time and let you focus on the right job postings.
4. Search for social media jobs, on social media
Want to work in social media? Why not try looking for your new job, on social media? LinkedIn has become an incredibly powerful tool for recruiters, employers and employees looking for work. There is a designated section solely for job listings that is updated daily and allows you to add filters to find roles that are suited to you.The key to being successful here is to ensure that your LinkedIn profile is up to scratch, as it will automatically be sent to the employer upon submitting an application.Make sure your profile has an updated and professional photo, an insightful bio and includes your up-to-date employment and education history.Bonus points if they can see that you are active on the platform, engaging with others and have a good number of connections (see tip 2).
5. Figure out exactly what you are interested in and why you want to work in social media
There are SO many different roles in social media.Content creators, organic social managers, platform specialists, advertising specialists, strategists. The list goes on and on.Before you just dive in and take any old job, take a moment to think about what makes you want to work in the industry. Are you more of a data person or a creative person? Do you like working only on Instagram or do you want to work on TikTok and YouTube as well? You will obviously evolve and move around over time, but a base set of skills will really guide your journey throughout your social media career.
Summary
There have never been more social media jobs out there, so if you’re looking for a new career, now is the perfect time to take the plunge! Stick to the tips that we have given you and dive right in.Your dream career could be just around the corner.
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