Can you provide an example of a social media crisis you have handled?


 Theme: Crisis Management  Role: Social Media Manager  Function: Marketing

  Interview Question for Social Media Manager:  See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Social Media Manager: Manages social media platforms and creates engaging content. This role falls within the Marketing function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here

 Sample Answer 


  Example response for question delving into Crisis Management with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

  •  Background: Provide a brief overview of the social media crisis, including the platform(s) involved, the company/brand affected, and the timeline of events
  •  Issue Identification: Explain the specific issue or problem that caused the crisis, such as a controversial post, negative customer feedback, or a viral rumor
  •  Response Strategy: Describe the steps taken to address the crisis, including monitoring social media channels, gathering information, and formulating a response plan
  •  Communication: Outline the communication approach used to manage the crisis, such as issuing public statements, responding to individual comments, or engaging with influencers
  •  Resolution: Explain how the crisis was resolved, whether through apologies, corrective actions, or other measures to mitigate the impact
  •  Evaluation & Learning: Discuss the lessons learned from the crisis, such as the importance of proactive monitoring, the need for clear social media guidelines, or the value of transparency and authenticity in communication

 Underlying Motivations 


  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

  •  Problem-solving skills: Assessing my ability to handle and resolve social media crises effectively
  •  Experience & expertise: Evaluating my past experiences and knowledge in managing social media crises
  •  Crisis management skills: Determining my ability to remain calm, make quick decisions, and mitigate the impact of a crisis on social media platforms
  •  Adaptability: Assessing my ability to adapt to unexpected situations and handle crises in a dynamic social media landscape

 Potential Minefields 


  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

  •  Blaming others: Avoid blaming others or throwing colleagues under the bus when discussing the crisis. Take responsibility for your role and focus on the actions you took to resolve the situation
  •  Lack of preparation: If you appear unprepared or unable to provide specific details about the crisis, it may raise concerns about your ability to handle similar situations in the future. Make sure to have a clear and concise example ready to share
  •  Ineffective resolution: If the crisis was not resolved effectively or if you were unable to mitigate the damage, it may raise doubts about your problem-solving skills. Highlight the steps you took to address the crisis and the positive outcomes that resulted from your actions
  •  Lack of transparency: Avoid being vague or evasive when discussing the crisis. Be transparent about the situation, the impact it had, and the steps you took to address it. Lack of transparency may indicate a lack of accountability or honesty
  •  Inability to learn from mistakes: If you fail to demonstrate how you learned from the crisis and implemented changes to prevent similar situations in the future, it may raise concerns about your ability to adapt and grow. Show that you are proactive in learning from mistakes and improving your strategies