How does anyone who hasn’t ever tweeted anything or has her tweets protected apply to be a social media manager for a newspaper? How?
The above question is a tweet on @Clinic4Journos The Journalism Clinic, Hub for first-rate journalism learning.
Even without asking, I knew the question is based on the earlier tweet below:
A Lagos-based newspaper has vacancies for three need-no-supervision individuals to manage their social media platforms “creatively”. If you are interested, start a conversation with @araisokun via his DM.
There is always the temptation of job seekers to try their luck by applying for every vacancy they see even when they are not academically qualified or have the required practical experience or evidence as it is in the above case.
The job of managing a social media creatively and without supervision as required in the first tweet is not for beginners but for those with proven evidence of personal or corporate platforms they have successfully managed.
It is a job for those who at least have an average following them online and are masters of content writing, sourcing and creation. They must have perfected the art of online engagement and understand what it means to optimize posts.
Like I have always advised especially young graduates, they need practical proof that they have the skills for what they are applying for and not the certificate, even if it is first class, which is two for a penny this days.
Unlike in the past, online platforms provide ample opportunities for everyone to showcase what he or she can do.
If you want a writing job, I want to see what you have written on any platform before, even if it is on your facebook page. You don’t need to convince me much if you already have an active blog of your own or write for a website and you can send me the links.
If you want to be a broadcaster, which is the favourite of many mass communication graduates, I will be interested in hearing your podcasts or checking your Youtube channel.
There are not too many jobs available these days, but the few ones on offer are for who have done what they are applying in a way to show they have what it takes to do the job.
So, instead of being in a hurry to apply for any job to acquire the necessary skill first so your applications don’t get trashed.
