Farah Ng
The social media industry is booming in Toronto but finding a job can be a challenge if you're looking in all the wrong places. Here are some places and events worth checking out if you're job hunting. #toronto
There are lots of job search sites out there but Indeed does a great job of crawling various corporate websites to find you postings. I find it has a far more comprehensive listing than other sites like Monster and Workopolis.
This is a bit of a no-brainer. If you're looking for a social media job, definitely use social media tools like Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ to network with other professionals in the field. As always, remember to keep you profile professional and don't be afraid to connect with contacts in real life too.
Organized by Joseph Thornley of PR firm Thornley Fallis, Third Tuesday meets once a month to discuss digital media trends and best practices. Third Tuesday always has great speakers but the event is casual enough to easily meet with other social media professionals. Just remember to RSVP early because tickets seem to always sell out.
Quick, mark your calendars! Mesh Conference takes place each May and features some of the best digital media speakers flown in from the around the world. The massive two-day event offers you plenty of time to meet new digital media professionals from across many different industries. Mesh is also well attended by budding start-ups. The price is steep but well worth your dollars.
Also known as Seneca SoMe (#SenecaSoMe), courses are taught by leading digital media professionals so you can learn from the masters. The 8-month program features a curriculum designed to help launch careers and build portfolios. Classes take place on Fridays and Saturdays so you can keep your day job.
Charity Village is a great place to finding listings for jobs and volunteer postings in the nonprofit sector. Looking to use your social media super powers to change the world? Charity Village can help you find your dream job.
Some people avoid looking for jobs on Craigslist but a lot of smaller companies can't afford to list postings anywhere else. Plus, more and more large companies are listing on Craigslist these days. This is also a great place to look for casual, freelance and part-time positions. Just be extra cautious of scammers.
Taking place each September, SMW features events held by various groups and organizations across the city. While events can be hit or miss, this is a great place for students and professionals alike to meet. My advice is to show up to sessions early to optimize limited networking time.
Fresh Gigs is a job site specifically for marketers. All applicants are first pre-screened so that employers know they're getting applicants with some kind of marketing experience. I found the pre-screening process to be incredibly quick and easy. Fresh Gigs postings aren't comprehensive (employers have to pay to be listed) but it's nice to not have to comb through tons of non-marketing jobs.
North by Northeast is a 10-day, 10-night event that combines music, comedy, visual arts with digital media and technology. It's the perfect atmosphere to get your creative juices flowing and with so many social media professionals in the crowd, you might just hear about your dream job.
