While unemployment hovers at historic lows, the pursuit of senior positions remains extremely competitive. When I apply for leadership roles, I go out ot my way to distinguish myself from a burgeoning pool of qualified candidates.
In addition to being more selective about the senior marketing and communications positions to which I apply, I'm devoting more time and attention to my application packet--especially my cover letters. This post describes one such example.
 |
(What's a Social Media Producer?
Discover here.)
|
Among the applications I submitted this short work week included one to Boston's Channel 7 WHDH to become their Social Media Producer. Here's the position description.
To underscore my interest in the position, I shared in my cover letter the following directly relevant example of social media knowledge and expertise I offer WHDH.
"In the battle for Boston TV audiences' social media hearts and minds, I analyzed WHDH's current numbers (as of 7/3 PM) and generated a table that compared WHDH's Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram numbers with selected competitors WBZ, WCVB, NECN, and NBC10.
BostonTV Social Media
|
Followers
|
Likes (IG = posts)
|
WHDH Twitter (@7news)
|
316,000 (1st)
|
3,983 (1st)
|
WHDH Facebook (@7news)
|
450,558 (3rd)
|
449,108 (2nd)
|
WHDH Instagram (@7news)
|
58,500 (2nd)
|
2,852 posts (2nd)
|
WBZ TW (@wbz)
|
180,000
|
474
|
WBZ FB (@CBSboston)
|
469,637 (2nd)
|
431,358 (3rd)
|
WBZ IG (@wbztv)
|
21,400 (3rd)
|
1,892 posts (3rd)
|
WCVB TW (@wcvb)
|
277,000 (2nd)
|
3,963 (2nd)
|
WCVB FB (@wcvb5)
|
801,080 (1st)
|
829,251 (1st)
|
WCVB IG (@wcvb5)
|
67,400 (1st)
|
3,682 posts (1st)
|
NECN TW (@NECN)
|
92,700
|
661 (3rd)
|
NECN FB (@necntv)
|
185,694
|
192,193
|
NECN IG (@necntv)
|
7,070
|
1,709 posts
|
NBC10 TW (@NBC10Boston)
|
17,400
|
365
|
NBC10 FB (@NBC10Boston)
|
365,838 (4th)
|
364,837 (4th)
|
NBC10 IG (@nbc10boston)
|
15,500
|
1,922 posts
|
The numbers in the table indicate that WHDH has prominent market share on The Big Three social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram):
- On Twitter, WHDH leads selected competitors in Followers and Likes (aquamarine)
- On Facebook, WHDH ranks 3rd (yellow) in Followers and 2nd in Likes (green)
- On Instagram, WHDH ranks 2nd (green) in Followers and Posts
Further analysis of the numbers reveals:
- WBZ ranks in the top three for all categories
- WCVB leads the group in Facebook Followers and Likes--almost doubling WHDH's numbers on the social media juggernaut.
- WCVB also leads the group in Instagram Likes and Posts
The chart reveals surmountable numbers gaps--which as your Social Media Producer, I will work to close by applying my social and digital media content development and disseminations skills."
Eschewing standard self-promotional cover letter language, and knowing the beleaguered HR manager will receive dozens--if not hundreds--of applications from qualified candidates, I tried to convey specific examples of the relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities I offer WHDH.
In this highly competitive job market, my experiences have taught me the necessity to provide measurable and memorable value up front.
Stay tuned to find out if my efforts spark a response from WHDH.
No comments:
Post a Comment