Socialize your way to your next job in #SocialMedia

“What Companies Want in a Social Media Intern” Was the title of an article that was published in Mashable, a couple of days ago. But it is only one from many recent articles discussing, how and why to be active and socialize in social networks in order to get a job in general, and in this industry in particular.

So far, I must agree, and admit that it’s true… you must have a great updated profiles everywhere, ‘cause when you are being checked to be hired for social media position, your social profiles might be more important than your resume. And don’t forget SEO, you must use the right Keywords in your profile, in order to show up in HR searches.

However, reading into these articles I must say, that if it is true, it might be that we are losing the best individual for these jobs. During my marketing journey, I met marketers and PR people from all over the world. And there are so many great marketers out there, that can SUPER socialize for you and be superb, but they just don’t like to publicize themselves. They like to put someone else in the spotlight, and they are GOOD in that.

The other issue that I had, is with using “interns” for social media. Wait right there. If that’s what  you are doing in order to save money on an expert, you are not going anywhere. You might as well keep the money and do it yourself. I have nothing against interns, but they are hired to learn, and get the experience, not to replace the experts. I mean, would you like a medical intern to perform surgery on you?

And last, but not least, social media should be fun! It’s a social network, for crying out loud. Why is it bad for my image, if I like to share a silly link with my Facebook friends, or to play “The biggest Brain” with my nephew? When did we lose the fun part? when did we start uploading all our pictures from our latest convention, but stopped uploading pictures from the BBQ with our friend on Saturday?

When did we stop tweeting about funny things that are happening to us, and made twitter an automated business content generator???

Tal Druyan