Companies that interview poorly…
Companies that interview poorly…

Companies that interview poorly…

PEOn Thursday I had an “interview” with a company in Newport Beach. This company is fairly large with over 40 entertainment venues across the country. The “Social Media Manager”, while a nice woman, is clearly not a manager (or is an EXTREMELY new manager) and has no idea how to fill a position like the one below.

After applying online, I was sent an email inviting me to a “group” interview – usually meaning that several people would be interviewed together. Disneyland does this to fill the thousands of positions in the park. Hotels do this when filling a lot of positions at once. The position below should be a for a seasoned professional who has experience in internet technologies and who is familiar with how the web marketing works.

So, I show up and am brought into a conference room where two other people are filling out paperwork – or so I thought. This woman, the “Social Media Manager”, introduces herself, then tells me all about the company – which I had already read on their website. She tells me about her position and what she wants to do for the company. Then, slides me four stapled pages with 10 essay questions on it. The questions included “What brands, small or large, business, celebrities or other, do you follow and why do you follow them?” and “What companies do you think ‘do social media right’?’” She tells me to begin writing and that she may have questions for me while I’m writing. After a minute or two, she asked me one question – “What is a software test engineer"?”. I explain to her, and she is satisfied. The next 45 minutes is me, long-hand writing my thoughts about questions related to… a social media position.

That was the entire interview – one question. About one of my past job titles. And some conversational questions written on a piece of paper.

I heard back today that I didn’t get a second interview. It’s probably for the best – but I’m more concerned for the person who does take the job. The woman they will be reporting to has a lot to learn and it will be at the expense of the new employee.

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Social Media Coordinator – Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

About the Job

Do you want a job that lets you play on Facebook all day? Or one where you can Tweet about how you have nothing to do? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, please do not apply.

Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxx is looking for a Social Media Coordinator that can keep up with the ever-changing social space and help lead the charge of our [Entertainment Centers] in 11 different states.

Reporting to the Social Media Manager, The Social Media Coordinator will be responsible for the daily execution of corporate social media campaigns. Primary duties include but are not limited to:

  • Editorial calendar and content creation
  • Ongoing monitoring and engagement on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube
  • Identify and communicate customer service opportunities to internal community managers
  • Executing campaigns on Facebook Twitter, YouTube, and other SM channels as required
  • Provide input on best practices for execution of Social Media Promotions/Contests
  • Maintain a focus on quality and well-planned, purposeful campaigns
  • Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

  • Expert knowledge of the “Top Three”- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
  • Basic or higher knowledge of Hootsuite, Google+, Foursquare, and LinkedIn required
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail, proof reading, and editing skills
  • Strong ability to research information
  • Must be highly creative and have the ability to “speak” to a variety of personality types and demographics
  • Excellent customer service skills are necessary
  • Proficiency in MS Office and online search engines are required
  • Knowledge of Dreamweaver or HTML coding, Facebook page design, and video editing a strong plus
  • Some evening and/or weekend availability may be required on a very limited basis
  • Amusement or hospitality marketing experience a plus

In return, the Company offers an excellent and competitive compensation and benefits package to include:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, AD&D and Supplemental life insurance
  • AFLAC
  • 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan
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