You are ready for your dream job in social media. You have a solid understanding of the industry, you know what you’re talking about and you’re ready to make an impact. But how do you get there? How do I land my dream job as a social media intern?
What do I need to know before applying for this position? In this guide, we will answer these questions and many more so that when it comes time for your first interview or meeting with HR, everything is set up perfectly!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Gain practical experience through internships |
| Develop strong social media management skills |
| Showcase your creativity and ability to engage audiences |
| Network with professionals in the industry |
| Utilize social media platforms to enhance your personal brand |
| Stay updated on industry trends and best practices |
| Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills |
| Demonstrate your passion for social media and digital marketing |
| Be proactive in seeking opportunities and making connections |
| Continuously learn and adapt to changes in the social media landscape |
1. Set The Right Expectations
Before you even start applying for jobs, it’s important to understand what the hiring manager wants in an intern. This means understanding the job description, learning about the company’s mission and values, and knowing what skills and experience they’re looking for.
If you don’t know what kind of job you want, this can be difficult. But if you’ve got a dream role in mind (like being a social media manager at your favorite clothing retailer).
Research what that company does and how they do it before applying. If there are any opportunities that sound interesting to you, apply!
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2. Be A Social Media User
Social media is a big deal, and it’s only getting bigger. According to Pew Research Center, 73% of American adults are on social media. That’s an incredible number, but what exactly does that mean?
Social media refers to any site or app where users interact with one another online. Some popular examples include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
These sites allow you to connect with people who share your interests and passions and also help you get your name out there in the digital world by sharing photos and stories about what inspires you.
And if you want a job as a social media intern? You better believe it will be important for employers to see how well-versed in these platforms you are!
So how do I use social media for job searching? Users can choose whether or not posts are public or private; however, if they are public then employers can easily see that information when checking out potential candidates’ profiles
3. Don’t Be Shy About Reaching Out To Companies You Want To Work For
The third step to landing your dream social media internship is to not be shy about reaching out to companies you want to work for. This can be intimidating, but don’t let it stop you from sending some emails!
Make sure you have a solid list of companies that are hiring for social media internships. You will use this later on in the process so remember where that list is at all times.
Now, gather up all the information about each company that makes sense: what they do, how long they’ve been around and anything else that may help them stand out as an employer.
The more information you have on hand before reaching out, the easier it will be when asking them questions later (see below).
Find contact information for someone who works at each company or organization by looking at their website or LinkedIn page (or any other place where they might post an email address).
It’s also possible that someone already knows someone inside one of these businesses so reaches out via Twitter/Facebook message with a request:
“Hey [insert person’s name], I’d love some advice on how I could get into [insert company here] as an intern this summer; would love your input!”
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4. Make A List Of Companies You’d Like To Work For
Now that you have your resume and cover letter polished, it’s time to start thinking about where you want to apply.
The best way is to make a list of the companies that are in the field of your studies and located in your area. This will help ensure that if they do hire interns, they’ll be the ones who can work with you.
You should also check whether or not they’re currently hiring interns (this information should be included on their website). If they aren’t hiring right now, don’t worry you can always apply next year or when another position opens up within the company later on!
5. Create A Solid Post-Application Follow-Up Plan
A strong follow-up plan is an essential part of the application process. Even if you don’t land the job, your interest in working with the company can be a good thing for both parties in the long run.
Even if you are offered an internship position and accept it, it’s always wise to remember that there will be other jobs out there and companies will want to work with someone professional and genuine enough to demonstrate their interest in them after receiving an offer.
So how do you go about creating a solid post-application follow-up plan? Here are five tips for getting started:
Give them a call or send them an email one week after submitting your application explaining that you want to keep these doors open with this organization and that you’re looking forward to hearing from them again soon.
If they respond positively, use this as an opportunity to get some advice on what they think might make yours stand apart from other candidates’ applications!
A tip here: “I appreciate all of your time today – thank you so much! I was hoping I could ask just one more question before we hang up though… what would be one piece of advice that would help me get through those last stages? Anything at all would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again :)”
Follow up via email two weeks later thanking them again (if possible), reiterating why their company stood out among others who applied, etc., mentioning any specific details from our conversation last week which resonated strongly with me/you/them/etc…
6. Build Your Brand Before You Start Applying
You can use social media to build your brand before you start applying for jobs. It’s a great way to share your work and interests, connect with people who can help you get a job, and build relationships that will last long beyond the internship.
When building your brand on social media as an intern, remember that Facebook is not the best place for sharing links or articles unless they are related to your field of study (and even then, it might be better to post them on LinkedIn).
Instead, focus on posting photos of you doing cool things in your free time such as traveling abroad or volunteering at an event. You want employers and recruiters looking at what kind of person they would be hiring if they bring you on board!
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7. Improve Your Technical Skills
- Improve your technical skills. Learn how to use social media tools like Buffer, Sprout Social, and Hootsuite.
- Learn how to use social media analytics. Find out how to do audience research and analyze user behavior on each platform.
- Learn how to use social media software. Learn the ins and outs of all the different platforms (Facebook, Twitter, etc).
- Learn how to use social media advertising. Understand different types of ads and learn where they should be placed on each platform for maximum effectiveness.
- Learn how to use social media marketing for brands or campaigns that have no budget other than the time invested by interns like yourself!
If you have an idea for a campaign ask if there’s a way for you to help execute it without having to access any specific budgets until later down the line when everything has been proven successful/ineffective based on empirical data collected from past campaigns run by the said organization from which we hope yours will be successful too!
8. Create An Industry-Specific Portfolio
One of the most important things you can do to help yourself land your dream job is to create a portfolio of your work. It’s important to show both your creativity and professionalism in this portfolio. You need to highlight all of your strengths, including:
- Teamwork abilities (can you work well with others?)
- Creativity (are you able to come up with unique ideas?)
- Professionalism (do you take deadlines seriously?)
How should I best present my social media skills? The best way is through examples of what you’ve already done.
For example, if one company wants someone who can write engaging tweets and another company wants someone who knows how to manage their Facebook page, show examples from each!
9. Don’t Underestimate The Importance Of A Cover Letter (And Use It)
Don’t just copy and paste a cover letter from your resume. The cover letter is your chance to show off some personality, so take advantage of it! If you can write in a conversational tone, do so!
If you can be creative in how you talk about yourself, go for it! I was once asked to write an 800 word essay on why I wanted to work at my dream company.
I wrote an entire piece comparing myself to their brand values and explaining how being an intern there would help me achieve my goals as well as contribute back into society by working with an organization that provides services for children who are disabled or have special needs.
I also made sure not to include any unnecessary information (like where I went to college) or anything that could make me seem less qualified than other candidates (like mentioning something like “I am very good at social media”).
Being honest about what makes me unique and avoiding blatant bragging about myself during this interview process helped set me apart from other applicants who were just trying too hard, which is what landed me the job!
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10. Choose Your References Wisely
Choose your references wisely. Who you choose to be a reference for you may make or break your application, depending on their qualifications and how well they represent you.
Make sure that all of your references are available to speak on the phone or in person, and politely ask them if they’re willing to be contacted by a potential employer (don’t be afraid of rejection).
It’s best not to include professors who don’t know you personally, so don’t just throw anyone in there this is one time where quantity isn’t good enough!
Finally, make sure that all of the people listed as references have agreed (in writing) to provide letters of recommendation. Some organizations will even ask for an email address.
So they can send requests directly instead of through emailing someone else who might forget about it or not follow through with sending over an official letter within a timely manner.
11. Need To Learn Social Media Fast?
If you’re just starting out in the world of social media, there are a few things you should know.
First off, there are several different platforms to learn how to use (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram being the most popular). Second, you need to understand the different strategies for each platform and marketing in general (like content creation and engagement).
Thirdly and finally, there are all sorts of tools at your disposal that can help make your life easier (for example social media automation software).
So if all this sounds like it’s going over your head already because it’s hard enough just trying to learn how social media works…don’t worry!
That’s where this guide comes in! We’ll be walking through every aspect of what goes into being an effective social media marketer so that even beginners like yourself can get ahead early on their career path!
12. Learn How To Pitch Stories And Content To Clients And Editors
Now that you have a well-organized list of your dream jobs, it’s time to start pitching them. You’re not going to land any of these gigs by sitting around and waiting for them to come to you.
If they want social media interns who can do all this stuff, they’re going to have to hire one. And the best way for them to know how good you are is if you tell them!
The first step in pitching stories and content is knowing exactly what it is that you want from your client or editor. For example: Do they need help planning an event? Do they need someone with technical expertise? Are they looking for an intern who can write blogs and articles?
Knowing what kind of help they need will make selling yourself much easier because then it becomes less about convincing them why YOU are perfect for their job opening (which can seem very self-serving) and more about showing them how YOUR skills will benefit THEM.
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13. Improve Your Writing Skills By Reading More Books, Articles, Etc
Reading is one of the best ways to improve your writing skills. Reading helps make you a better writer because it exposes you to different styles of writing and varying levels of quality.
If you want to learn how to write better, read widely in your field as well as outside it, for example, read articles on a topic that interests you in addition to reading research papers or peer-reviewed journals on topics in your field.
Be sure to also read books (fiction or non-fiction) that are not directly related to your field but which will help develop other important skills like vocabulary size or reading comprehension, for example, we suggest reading Stephen King novels if you have an interest in horror fiction!
14. Make Sure Your Resume Is Flawless
Make sure your resume is up to date. The last thing you want to do is send in an outdated version of your resume, which will make it look like you just don’t care about the position or company.
Make sure your resume is well written and easy to read. It should be able to convey all of the relevant information about yourself in a way that makes sense for both parties you and whoever is reading it on the other end of the application process.
Make sure your resume is well formatted and easy on the eyes (i.e., not too dense).
Make sure your skills are clear at first glance by making sure that they are listed first under “Experience” instead of being buried under bullet points below them;
This will help ensure that no one misses them while skimming through everything else before deciding whether or not they’re interested enough in moving forward with hiring someone like themselves!
16. Have Confidence In Yourself And Don’t Give Up!:)
Don’t give up. A lot of people get discouraged when they don’t get a job right away, and they stop applying for positions. Instead, keep applying and continue to learn about social media from your current internship and from other opportunities that may come your way.
Be confident in yourself! This is one of the most important tips on this list you have to believe in yourself before anyone else will believe in you, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!
Conclusion
The key to landing your dream job as a social media intern is to get as much experience as possible. This means networking and making yourself known in the industry.
You don’t need years of experience before you start applying for jobs, but if you can get some work experience under your belt it will make all the difference when applying for internships or full-time positions later on.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to explore:
Social Impact Internship: Discover opportunities to make a meaningful impact through social impact internships. Learn how to contribute to causes you care about while gaining valuable experience.
How to Land a Great Role as an Intern in Your Dream Career Field: Uncover strategies and tips for securing an internship in your desired career field. Gain insights on how to stand out and make the most of your intern experience.
How Social Media Can Help You Land Your Dream Job: Explore the power of social media in your job search. Learn how to leverage social platforms to enhance your personal brand and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about landing your dream job:
What steps can I take to improve my chances of landing my dream job?
Enhancing your chances of landing your dream job involves various steps, such as:
- Tailoring your resume and cover letter to the job requirements.
- Building a strong professional network and seeking referrals.
- Developing relevant skills and staying updated in your field.
- Preparing for interviews and showcasing your passion and expertise.
- Continuously learning and adapting to industry trends.
How can internships help me in landing my dream job?
Internships provide valuable hands-on experience, allowing you to develop industry-specific skills, network with professionals, and gain exposure to your desired career field. They offer an opportunity to showcase your capabilities and work ethic, which can enhance your chances of securing your dream job.
Is it important to have a strong online presence when searching for a dream job?
Yes, having a strong online presence can significantly impact your job search. Employers often research candidates online, so it’s essential to maintain a professional and positive digital footprint. Building a LinkedIn profile, engaging in relevant industry discussions, and showcasing your work or projects online can help you stand out to potential employers.
How can social media platforms contribute to landing my dream job?
Social media platforms can play a vital role in your job search. They provide avenues to connect with industry professionals, showcase your expertise, and stay informed about job opportunities. By strategically utilizing platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, you can network, build credibility, and increase visibility among potential employers.
Are there any specific strategies for landing a job in a competitive field?
In competitive fields, it’s crucial to differentiate yourself. Some strategies include:
- Networking with professionals in the industry.
- Gaining additional certifications or advanced degrees.
- Showcasing your unique skills and experiences through projects or portfolios.
- Researching and targeting specific companies or organizations that align with your career goals.
- Constantly honing your skills and staying updated on industry trends.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.