Things I learnt from my last round of interviews

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Ian Byrne

Last week I conducted a round of interviews for a new position we advertised – Social Media Coordinator.

I always enjoy the interview process as it gives me a chance to gauge what’s going on outside of our own little bubble and chat with like minded people about all things digital. Here are a few musings I took from this go-round:

1. Toronto, you’re awesome.

It may sound cliché, but I honestly met some really cool folks. Listening to people’s views on social media, digital marketing and everything in between, I can say that there are some truly awesome people out there who’ll be shaping brand voices online for many years to come.

2. People hate Facebook.

Perhaps hate is a strong word, but the general feeling I got from interviewees was that Facebook ain’t what it used to be. Maybe it’s the fact they sold their soul with their IPO, or maybe it’s just a bit passé for a certain demographic. Either way, there wasn’t much love for FB.

3. People love Twitter

Where Facebook falls down, Twitter picks up the pieces. I asked each interviewee what their favourite social network was and Twitter was a clear winner. Foursquare got an honourable mention too!

4. Oreo nailed it, hardcore.

I asked for any examples of brands that were doing social well, and Oreo got a whole lotta love, purely for their Superbowl real time marketing awesomeness . Just goes to show what one smart idea on social can do for a brands rep.

5. People still send resumes in Microsoft Word.

Not that I’m hatin’ on Microsoft, but it’s a pet peeve of mine when I get Word docs. PDF yo!

6. Gmail is where it’s at

The vast majority of applicants were gmail users. Poor Hotmail, I mean Outlook.

I did three separate rounds of interviews over the past year and was blown away by not only the response to this particular ad (we had over 150 applicants) but also the calibre of those who applied.

I may be biased, but digital is fo’ sho’ where it’s at right now and from what I saw this past week, Toronto is a hot-bed of talent.

Anyone else out there who’s seen similar trends? Let us know!

Ian is VP of 88 Creative. Follow him on twitter @ianobyrno