What to Look for When Hiring an In-House Social Media Assistant, Manager, or Intern

Trust us when we say this: hiring the right in-house social media support can be a game-changer for your brand. Whether you’re considering a full-time social media manager, a part-time assistant, or an intern, it’s about more than finding someone who “knows Instagram” or “likes TikTok.” The right hire will not only execute tasks but also help shape your brand’s online voice, grow your community, and ultimately drive business goals.

Here’s what to keep in mind when making your next social media hire:

1. Clarify the Role You Actually Need

Before you post the job description, decide whether you need an assistant, manager, or intern:

• Social Media Assistant: Great for supporting content creation, scheduling, and engagement. Best if you already have a strategy in place and need someone to execute.

• Social Media Manager: Ideal for developing strategy, creating content calendars, managing analytics, and overseeing campaigns. Best for businesses ready to invest in long-term growth.

• Intern: Useful for extra hands on content production or trend research, but usually requires close supervision and training.

  
  

Being clear about scope avoids mismatched expectations.

2. Look for Both Creative and Strategic Skills

Social media isn’t just about pretty graphics. A strong candidate balances creativity (visual eye, strong writing, trend awareness) with strategy (audience insights, analytics, ROI-focused thinking).

Ask yourself: Do they understand how to use content to meet larger business goals—or are they just posting for likes?

3. Prioritize Platform Fluency and Adaptability

Algorithms, features, and audience behaviors change constantly. Your ideal hire doesn’t need to know every platform perfectly, but they should:

• Be fluent in at least one or two platforms central to your brand.

• Show curiosity and adaptability when learning new features or apps.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how platforms differ (what works on TikTok vs. LinkedIn, for example).

4. Strong Communication Skills Are a Must

Social media is the public face of your brand. That means your assistant, manager, or intern must be able to:

• Write in your brand voice with clarity and consistency.

• Handle customer service interactions with professionalism.

• Communicate internally to report on progress, flag issues, and suggest new ideas.

5. Look for Evidence of Results

Instead of focusing only on followers gained, ask about impact. Did their content drive engagement, sales, or leads? Did they grow a community, improve reach, or create viral moments? Metrics matter—but so does the ability to connect them to meaningful business outcomes.

6. Assess Organizational and Project Management Skills

Even the most creative candidate won’t succeed without structure. Social media involves juggling multiple platforms, campaigns, and deadlines. Look for someone who can:

• Manage a content calendar.

• Stay on top of deadlines.

• Track analytics and report results clearly.

7. Cultural Fit and Brand Alignment

Finally, remember that this person will represent your brand every day. They should believe in your mission, understand your audience, and reflect your company’s values. The better the alignment, the more authentic and effective your content will feel.

Final Thoughts

Hiring in-house social media talent isn’t about finding someone to “just post.” It’s about choosing a team member who can combine creativity, strategy, and adaptability while staying aligned with your brand’s bigger picture. Whether you start with an intern, assistant, or manager, make sure you’re investing in someone who can grow with your business and help you stay ahead in the ever-changing digital landscape.

Not sure what kind of social media support you need? Schedule a discovery call with Media À La Carte, a full service social media and digital marketing agency based in NYC. We specialize in social strategy, growth, and content creation, and can help support you on your brand’s social media journey.