A question from a reader.
I have an HR question for you. I have been randomly sending resumes out to interesting sounding jobs (comfortably, from my current job) and landed an interview for a Community Experience Producer. My question is this… since the title seems to be relatively new (did lots of google searches, not finding much) what’s the best way to prepare for this interview? Thanks Laurie!
This job is often referred to as a community manager, and Susan Burns talked about the emerging role of community managers at the Social Recruiting Summit.
Personally, I think you prepare for this interview the same way you prepare for most interviews.
- You should understand how this role solves a problem within Martha Stewart’s empire.
- You should be prepared to discuss your career portfolio and your experience as a courageous and innovative leader. Make sure you come armed with concrete examples of how your experience, knowledge, and skills will enhance the brand and add to the company’s profitability.
- Finally, I suggest that you network like hell to find out how the company conducts its interviews — and be flexible enough to adapt your stories to whatever interviewing format they apply.
A job is a job is a job. You can either do it or you can’t. We very rarely hire for technical knowledge. We hire for the amorphous concepts of fit, authenticity, and potential. Demonstrate that you’re a good cultural fit for the company, show them that you are an authentic human being, and make them believe that you have potential to earn the company a ton of money.
Anyone else have advice?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I have rarely been the best qualified candidate for any position I have held. I have been lucky enough to find folks who saw my “potential.” They were sold on my ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Whatever the title, I’m sure you’ll be great!
I’d get out and connect and converse through social media with some experts (clearly you’ve reached out to Laurie, which is good), but also I’d recommend anyone on the panel with her in FL and Nola as well.
I also recommend having quantifiable examples of how you’ve used social media successfully as well (this process you are going through would be a potential example). Since this is a new area for many companies, they get thrown off if you just spout theory.
Finally if you haven’t yet, read Groundswell by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff, they have many good case studies that you should bone up on.
Finally, finally, relax and be yourself, if they like you, they like you, if not no biggie, you may not get the job, but they can’t take your birthday away.
@Kirsten I’m pretty sure that I am never the best candidate for anything. I’m about to show up, get stuff done, and I’m pleasant (for the most part) so that’s the secret to my success.
@Puf Good, good, good advice. I haven’t read Groundswell but I’ll put it on my library list.
The best in the field are people writing books, guest speaking at seminars and consulting. This is such a new area. There is so much information out there about the Social Media if you just go out there and do some research you will prepare yourself and follow up on the sources people are providing you with here. If you prove you are a passionate individual in the new wave of Social Media and you have done your homework, they can teach you the rest along with the rest of the world that is still learning. A few articles/books/websites that have helped me include: Red Orbit, Forbes, Wizardy, Interactive Marketing for Business Owners, Nicole Crepeau’s blog (http://nmc.itdevworks.com/), Boolean Blackbelt- all of which are websites. I also read Mobilzation Generation 2.0 a book. LinkedIn has plenty of groups that discuss this topic daily with statistics that have also been helpful. If you google search Social Media and webinars you will find several coming up and a few that have taken place (but you can print off the PDF). I have only been researching this for about 4 months and if you asked me again in 1 month the list will be 10x’s longer!
@Christago That’s a really great & informative comment. Thank you so much!