Are you a do-it-all?
Many recruiters believe that any good content writer is capable of blogging, writing for the web, delivering quality SEO and advertising content, and addressing social media too! Does this job profile seems as cluttered to you as to me? Then the question arises,
Is it better to hire a writer for one niche, or a Jack of all trades?
Today writing is no longer just about penning down the words; specialised/niche writers know how to market their words effectively too. This means getting their hands dirty with the technical side of things. Niche writers immerse themselves in the nitty-gritties of their specialisation to add textures and dimensions to their work. Web content developers understand Google Analytics, SEO specialists understand keywords and backlinking, Ad content writers harness the power of pay-per-clicks.
So why don’t companies want to invest in a qualified professional, an expert in his/her niche? Because many recruiters don’t understand that writing has evolved beyond the pen and paper, and moved into a complex technical arena.
Much like medicine has its specialties, digital content writing is no longer a one-glove-fits-all job. A cardiothoracic surgeon knows how to diagnose a stomach infection, but that doesn't mean s/he has to work as a general physician when qualified for more.
Ultimately, my opinion is that hiring a 'Jack of all trades' to drive your content division is a bad decision for everyone involved, and here's why. As a recruiter you’ll hire someone who knows just about enough to keep his head above water, but will never make your brand shine, and as an employee you will never have the time or focus to become anything more than an average writer.
So my advice is: invest.
Corporates should invest in a qualified professional who will cost you more money today but will reap you triple the benefit in the future, and candidates should invest in a company who values experience and skill over mass production.
What do you think? Would you hire a specialised worker or a Jack of all trades?
Freelance Content Strategist | Ex-Amazon India
10 年I believe Paul Petrone enhances my point in his article - The Secret to Google's Brand: Invest in Your People (https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/lessons-from-google-new-way-think-branding-paul-petrone?trk=hp-feed-article-title)
Visionary Music & Media Consultant | Innovator with Decades of Experience | Board Advisor & Speaker | Expert in Shaping the Future of Creative & Entertainment Industries
10 年Made me think a bit and this is what I came up with... The person with an ability to write is like a charming man or a tall girl or a cute puppy, none are responsible for what they are but they can each make the most out of it and whether they do or not depends on character... A person who is an expert on a subject is unlikely not to be able to write about it but may do so only for other experts... So what I would do is higher a charcter who can write and then go about the job of teaching them the skills related to the subject they will write on...