The Most Important Social Media Skills (With Examples + Definitions)

In today’s digital landscape, social media skills such as writing, graphic design, and data analysis have become essential across various job sectors. To enhance your value as an employee, focus on developing these skills and prominently feature them on your resume.

If you’re a job seeker eager to expand your knowledge of social media skills, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of crucial social media skills to possess when applying for jobs, along with examples of how to showcase these skills on your resume.

Key Takeaways:

• The social media landscape is continuously evolving, making it vital to keep your skills updated.

• Social media expertise encompasses more than just familiarity with Facebook; it includes writing, graphic design, and community management.

• Hiring managers are looking for specific keywords on resumes, so be sure to highlight them effectively.

What are social media skills?

Social media skills refer to the abilities and knowledge required to create and share marketing content on social media platforms to achieve business objectives. Professionals who excel in these roles typically understand how various social media channels operate, possess creativity, and enjoy crafting both written and visual content.

These skills extend beyond merely posting on platforms like Facebook. Effective social media marketers grasp broader business goals and have strong communication skills. Writing, graphic design, and community management are integral components of social media proficiency.

Types of social media skills

Social media skills come in various forms. Here’s an extensive list of essential skills for a social media marketer:

1. Writing. While it’s fundamental, social media managers must know how to write effectively. This involves crafting engaging and concise messages tailored to each platform’s audience. Your posts on Facebook should resonate differently than those on Twitter, yet they should maintain a consistent brand voice.

2. Graphic design. You need not be a professional graphic designer, but understanding basic design principles is crucial for a social media manager. Online courses on design fundamentals and user-friendly tools like Canva can enhance your abilities.

3. Data analysis. Analyzing data is a key aspect of successful social media marketing. Understanding audience engagement, identifying trends, and evaluating post performance are vital. Consider earning certifications on platforms like Google Analytics and Facebook Business Suite to bolster your credentials.

4. Marketing strategy. While you may not be solely responsible for the overarching marketing strategy, your role will be to support it through social media. This includes ensuring brand consistency, increasing visibility, and driving web traffic.

   Employers value candidates who can collaborate with marketing teams and contribute original ideas. Highlight any relevant experience in your resume and cover letter.

5. Social media management software. Familiarity with social media management tools can significantly streamline your workflow. While you can post directly on platforms, businesses often prefer third-party tools for scheduling and analytics. Proficiency in popular tools like Hootsuite and Sprout Social can demonstrate your adaptability.

6. Digital media. Many companies expect their social media managers to create and edit basic digital content, including videos and photos. Being able to perform quick edits and format files for optimal sharing increases your value.

7. Content management. Especially in smaller companies, social media managers may be tasked with website content management as well. Familiarity with platforms like WordPress and basic HTML can enhance your effectiveness in these roles.

8. Law and ethics. A basic understanding of social media laws and ethical considerations is essential. Awareness of regulations regarding data privacy, intellectual property, and content sharing helps mitigate risks for your organization.

9. Customer service. Social media is a powerful tool for customer engagement, but it can also present challenges. As a social media manager, you need to effectively address customer inquiries and complaints. Researching best practices for customer service on social media can position you favorably in job interviews.

10. Flexibility. The ability to adapt your social media strategy quickly is vital in this fast-paced field. Be prepared to pivot strategies in response to crises or changes within the organization.

11. Problem-solving. Successful social media managers are adept at thinking on their feet, whether it’s addressing a miscommunication or strategizing for increased engagement. This includes quick research to find effective solutions.

12. Time management. Efficient time management is critical for balancing the demands of social media. This includes scheduling posts, analyzing performance, and planning future strategies.

13. Research and development. Staying informed about the latest social media trends and best practices is essential. Regularly following relevant publications and platforms enables you to adapt to changes effectively.

14. Community management. Building and maintaining relationships with followers is a key objective of social media. Demonstrating your ability to engage and connect with the audience fosters trust and loyalty.

How to highlight your social media skills

Identifying the right social media skills to showcase on your resume and during interviews is crucial when pursuing a career in social media management.

Hiring managers are looking for specific keywords and attributes in candidates to effectively manage their social media presence. Here’s how to showcase your skills:

1. On your resume. To tailor your resume for a specific role, incorporate language from the job description.

   • Highlight important adjectives and soft skills in one color, and job-specific nouns and hard skills in another. Integrate these terms naturally into your resume.

   • Incorporate your social media skills into your summary statement (e.g., “Dedicated social media manager with over 3 years of experience driving engagement across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter”), work experience, and skills section.

   • Focus on achievements rather than responsibilities in your professional history. Highlight metrics that matter, such as conversion rates and engagement, and use quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact.

   • In your skills section, list relevant skills mentioned in the job description, specifying the platforms you are experienced with.

2. In your cover letter. Your cover letter for social media roles should be engaging and reflective of your skills. Start with a strong opening that captures attention, followed by details of your key social media accomplishments.

   Present your experiences within the broader context of the company’s marketing strategy to showcase your understanding of social media’s role.

3. During the job interview. Communicating your social media skills confidently during interviews is vital. Be prepared with anecdotes for behavioral questions, utilizing the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

   After the interview, follow up with a thank-you email to express your gratitude and reiterate your most relevant skills and experiences.

Examples of how to include social media skills on resume

To effectively showcase your social media skills to potential employers, consider the following sample resume. Highlight the strengths that align with the job you seek.

Remember to customize your resume and cover letter to emphasize the skills listed in the job posting and prepare to discuss them in interviews.

How to improve your social media skills

Regardless of your experience level, there are always ways to enhance your social media skills.

Here are some strategies for improvement:

• Take a course. E-learning has become increasingly accessible, with free options available on platforms like edX, Coursera, and Udemy, as well as paid certifications for a more hands-on experience.

  Courses in marketing, data analysis, and digital media can significantly enhance your career trajectory. Even dedicating time each week to watch tutorials can contribute to your growth.

• Diversify. Assess your strengths and weaknesses across various platforms. Improving your skills in underperforming areas will provide a well-rounded skill set that meets both your employer’s and your own career goals.

• Market yourself. One effective way to showcase your skills is by promoting your personal brand. Create a personal website and utilize social media platforms to attract visitors and potential clients.

  This hands-on experience will not only sharpen your skills but also serve as tangible evidence for employers.

• Understand your niche. Being effective in social media requires a deep understanding of your audience. Choose clients or projects where you can leverage your knowledge of their customer base to communicate effectively.

Social media resume skills FAQ

1. How do you describe social media skills on a resume?

   Describe social media skills on your resume by integrating them into your work history, summary statement, and skills sections. Highlight any major accomplishments or responsibilities related to social media in your work history.

   If you’re applying for a role heavily focused on social media, emphasize your key qualifications in your summary statement.

   Finally, list specific social media skills in your skills section, focusing on the programs and platforms you use rather than generic terms.

2. Is social media a hard or soft skill?

   Social media is considered a hard skill, as it pertains specifically to certain job roles. However, many of the skills necessary for success in social media management are soft skills, including communication, customer service, and problem-solving.

3. How important is social media in the workplace?

   Social media plays a crucial role in modern workplaces. Research has indicated that effective social media usage can enhance employee productivity and communication.

   As of recent data, a significant majority of Fortune 500 companies utilize social media to bolster their brand representation and enhance internal communication. Understanding the implications of social media in the workplace is essential for organizations.

   Clear policies regarding social media usage can prevent potential issues, improve brand image, and foster positive communication among employees.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Career Outlook: Social Media Specialist

Author

Abby McCain

Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.