Think the only people who need social media skills are teenagers, influencers and social media managers? Think again.
In today’s world social media has reach into many different sectors and there are plenty of jobs where knowing how to work a social media channel is becoming an essential skill.
Here are six jobs where social media skills would benefit you:
1. Graphic Designer
Graphic design is no longer just for print media, brochures or even websites. Today’s graphic designers might well be putting together image packages including logos suitable for social media profile pictures, images or graphics for page banners and posts themselves.
Social media skills needed:
- Understanding platform-specific design requirements.
- Awareness of visual trends on social media.
- Ability to create shareable, engaging content.
- Familiarity with video content creation for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
2. Copywriter
Social media now forms a key part of marketing strategies for most brands. So, as a copywriter, you might find yourself as likely to be asked to write a short caption for a Facebook post as you will a long-form blog post. Writing social media captions and post text is a different skill from long-form content as they have to grab attention quickly and stand out in a crowded news feed.
Social media skills needed:
- Knowledge of platform-specific voice and style.
- Crafting concise, compelling headlines and captions.
- Understanding of hashtags, trends, and timing.
- Writing for engagement (comments, shares, likes).
3. Photographer/Videographer
Photographers and videographers who can learn the skills needed for attention-grabbing social media content can add a new income stream to their business alongside more traditional clients. From snappy videos for TikTok to stylish product images for stunning Instagram posts, brands looking to elevate their messaging will turn to quality content producers.
Social media skills needed:
- Expertise in creating visual content for specific platforms.
- Understanding of platform dimensions and file formats.
- Ability to edit for short-form video (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts).
- Knowledge of current social media content trends (filters, music, challenges).
People in these three roles might also need social media skills to promote themselves if they work as contractors or freelancers, or own their own business. After all, plenty of business is done on social media these days, especially on relevant platforms like LinkedIn.
4. Event Planner
Social media platforms are the ideal place to build excitement about an event and drive ticket sales. Event planners who can leverage social media in addition to more traditional marketing streams can bring their events to a wider audience. Livestreaming from an event on social media, can create additional buzz and allow people who can’t attend in person to still feel part of the event.
Social media skills needed:
- Creating engaging pre-event promotions on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
- Live-streaming events on social platforms.
- Managing social media giveaways or contests for tickets.
- Posting real-time updates during events (Twitter threads, Instagram Stories).
5. Customer Service Representative
How many times recently when you’ve needed help have you reached out to a live chat option or a social media messaging service like Facebook Messenger? Alongside phones and email, customer service has shifted to social media. Customers expect quick responses and help in real time so anyone working in customer service now needs to be able to handle a range of platforms and be able to post quickly and clearly. Representatives who excel on social media can help companies enhance their reputation and keep customers satisfied.
Social media skills needed:
- Fast response times and effective communication on social platforms.
- Understanding the tone and nuances of different social media environments.
- Ability to address customer feedback publicly while protecting the company’s image.
- Experience with social media management tools for responding across multiple platforms.
6. HR Recruiter
Social media has become an invaluable tool for HR recruiters who use platforms like LinkedIn to find potential candidates and Facebook or Instagram to build a company’s employer brand. Social-savvy recruiters know how to search for qualified candidates, advertise job openings, and create posts that highlight the company’s culture to attract top talent.
Social media skills needed:
- Proficiency with LinkedIn for recruitment.
- Ability to create engaging employer branding content.
- Using social media to screen candidates.
- Promoting job opportunities on social platforms.
If you work in any of these professions (or any role for that matter) and you’d like to improve your social media skills, NZIE has a range of short courses that can help you like our TikTok Marketing Course and our Social Media Toolkit. Otherwise, if you’re looking for something more comprehensive – our Social Media Marketing Diploma could be for you!
