I know many young graduates and experienced journalists who want media jobs and other employment they may and can never get.
The fresh graduates think their first or second-degree certificates are all they need to get their dream jobs in corporate organisations, while the old hands believe their years of experience will give them an advantage.
What I have realised is that not many job seekers have what present day employers look out for. The skills required are more than being able to write or excellent verbal communication.
In addition to the above requirements and some others that used to matter, all media related jobs now require mastery of new media skills. Similarly, most contemporary employers often look up the Social media timeline of prospective job seekers.
It is not enough that you have been working in similar positions for years, there are new communication realities that make it necessary for journalists and other media professionals to know more than what they used to know and can do:
At first glance, a vacancy for an experienced Communication and Administrative Officer by the African Cycling Foundation will appear to be an easy one too for an experienced Sports journalist or any other media professional until you read some of the requirements in the job description:
• Manage day to day social media activities focusing on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube etc.
• Promote the organisation’s events and activities across social media channels.
• Ensure each platform is scheduled and promptly filled with content in-line with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
• Source and develop engaging contents, including stories, videos and pictures, to be updated across social media channel.
For emphasis it was stated that the successful candidate must have the following skills/experience:
• Strong knowledge of using social media in successfully engaging and growing audiences developing creative content, measuring the impact of activities and making informed recommendations for revising all social media activities.
• Excellent writing skills, including grant proposal and report writing.
• Sound organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks efficiently and remain calm under pressure.
• Excellent knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent attention to detail and a good eye for design.
To apply for the position, applicants were required to send their CV with a supporting statement describing how they meet the specifications and what they would bring to the role.
Among others, proven knowledge of social media use is obviously a major requirement for this job and only those who have it need apply no matter how long they have been performing similar tasks.
Due to the change in the communication landscape, media professionals are now required to be digital savvy and anyone applying for jobs in the sector needs to update their skills and have evidence of being active on the platforms.
Media houses want reporters who use the social media well enough not to miss any breaking story. They want journalists who have a good following online to extend the reach of their content.
Instead of wasting the time of dreaming of top media and communication positions and applying for jobs they don’t have the capacity to perform, applicants should study vacancies to know new requirements employers are demanding for and how to have them.
Social media is not a fad. It’s here to stay and forever change the way we source and disseminate information.
More than being social platforms, they are professional tools which every professional must know how to use to promote their brand individually and at corporate communication.
How many friends do you have on Facebook, followers on Twitter and Instagram; what you have done and can do on the platforms may be a major determinant of you will get that dream media or communication job or not.
The choice is yours.
Thanks for reading. I look forward to hearing from you if you need any assistance in how to use social media professionally:
Twitter: @lotufodunrin
Telephone: 08023000621
