A Guide to Hiring a Social Media Marketing Fresh Graduate with Interview Questions

Let's be honest: just because someone's a Gen Z doesn't mean they're good at social media marketing. Knowing the latest TikTok trends doesn't automatically translate to building a brand, engaging an audience, or driving results for your business.

So, how do you cut through the noise and find a social media intern or fresh graduate who can actually do the job well? 

This guide will help you ask the right interview questions, spot the real talent, and avoid those who just look good online. Plus, we've got a free downloadable Evaluation Checklist to help you make the right hire! 

What Does a Social Media Marketer Actually Do?

Before we dive into specifics, let's get one thing straight: social media marketing is about way more than just posting pretty pictures and hoping for likes.

A skilled social media marketer is a storyteller, a strategist, an analyst, and a community builder, all rolled into one.

They're responsible for:

• Crafting a compelling brand voice and online presence: This means understanding your target audience, your brand's values, and what makes you unique.

• Creating engaging and shareable content: Whether it's witty captions, stunning visuals, or thought-provoking articles, they know how to capture attention and keep people coming back for more.

• Building and nurturing an online community: They engage with followers, respond to comments, and create a sense of belonging around your brand.

• Developing and executing strategic campaigns: They know how to use social media to achieve specific business goals, like driving website traffic, generating leads, or increasing sales.

• Analysing data and measuring results: They track key metrics, identify what's working, and adapt their strategies to maximise impact.

Here are the different types of content:

• Written Content: Think captivating captions, informative blog posts, witty tweets, and shareable stories.

• Visual Content: Eye-catching images, graphics, videos, Reels, Stories – you name it.

• Interactive Content: Polls, quizzes, Q&As, contests – anything that gets people talking and engaging with your brand.

These are the common social media platforms:

• Instagram: Visual storytelling and connecting with younger audiences.

• TikTok: Short-form videos, trends, and reaching Gen Z.

• Facebook: Connecting with a wide audience, including older demographics.

• LinkedIn: Professional networking, B2B marketing, and thought leadership.

• Twitter: Real-time updates, news, and conversations.

• XiaoHongShu (Little Red Book): Lifestyle, beauty, and fashion for young Chinese speakers.

• YouTube Shorts: Short, engaging videos (under 60 seconds) for younger audiences.

• Pinterest: Visual inspiration and ideas for a wide audience.

• Snapchat: Casual photo and video sharing, popular with teens.

Interview Questions to Assess Social Media Marketing Skills 

Don't just take their word for it—ask these insightful questions to see if they really understand social media marketing.

“If you were in charge of our company’s social media, what’s the first thing you would do?”

This assesses their strategic thinking and ability to apply their knowledge to your company.

• Good sign: : They give a thoughtful answer that considers your target audience, goals, and existing social media presence.

• Red flag: They say, "Post more," or focus on tactics without a clear strategy.

  
  

“Tell me about a recent social media campaign that impressed you and why.” 

This shows if they understand what makes a campaign successful and if they're paying attention to industry trends.

• Good sign: They can discuss specific elements (target audience, messaging, visuals, results) and explain why it resonated with them.

• Red flag: They struggle to come up with an example or give a generic answer like, "I like all the funny memes on Instagram."

  
  

“Show me your favorite social media profile (personal or professional) and tell me why you like it.” 

This unveils their taste, understanding of engaging profiles, and how they use social media themselves.

• Good sign: They show a visually appealing, well-organized profile with a consistent brand voice and explain why it’s effective.

• Red flag: Their profile is inactive, lacks a theme, or is filled with irrelevant content.

  
  

“How would you measure the success of a social media campaign?” 

This reveals their understanding of social media analytics and performance evaluation.

• Good sign: : They mention specific metrics (engagement, reach, website traffic, conversions) and explain how they relate to your goals.

• Red flag: They only mention vanity metrics (follower count, likes) without understanding the bigger picture.

  
  

Look Beyond the Resume: Ask for Passion Projects and Hobbies

Don't just focus on their work experience (which might be limited for a recent graduate). Dig deeper into their hobbies and interests! You might be surprised how seemingly unrelated passions can translate into valuable social media skills.

Think about it:

• Someone who loves photography probably has a great eye for visuals, composition, and storytelling.

• An avid gamer might have a deep understanding of online communities, trends, and engagement strategies.

• A music lover or podcaster could be a natural at audio editing, storytelling, and creating compelling audio content.

• A DIY crafter or artist often demonstrates creativity, attention to detail, and a passion for visual aesthetics.

During the interview, ask them about their hobbies and interests:

• "What are you passionate about outside of work or school?"

• "Tell me about a hobby or interest that you've been really into lately."

Listen carefully to see how those passions could translate into transferrable skills that would benefit your company.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Social Media Marketing Fresh Graduate (or Intern)

Hiring a recent grad for your social media team is an investment—an investment in fresh ideas, new perspectives, and the future of your brand.

But it's not about finding someone who knows all the answers. It's about finding someone who's eager to learn, passionate about social media, and ready to grow with your company.

So, what are you waiting for?

Download our Fresh Graduate Social Media Marketing Evaluation Checklist, packed with insightful tips to help you find the right fit for social media marketing.

And if you're ready to connect with top student talent right now, Kabel makes it easier than ever. Start hiring interns & fresh graduates with us!