YouTube Hurts My Job Application

4/25/2018

I earned my GPA, put in my hours for internships, tediously created an easy-to-read-but-jam-packed resume...but a simple Google search diminishes my efforts as you learn that I post myself ripping my arm hair out. YouTube hurts my job application. Let's talk about our professional digital footprint.

This chapter in my series takes a serious turn because building a career and gaining respect from your coworkers/boss should be a top priority. Sustaining yourself with income (and hopefully health insurance) is crucial to being your best self and supporting a family.

via GIPHY

We should address simple facts. If I had a million subscribers, I could get away with freaky videos, a sailor mouth, and perhaps partial nudity. Everybody would admire my work as A+ marketing. But when you're a small YouTuber, an employer might view you as a desperate failure who does weird shiz for views.

I'm not an expert, but I have explored this subject for awhile. I've spoken to my college professor and someone who was the head of social media for their company. I can't give you the right answers but can provide guidance on what you should and should not do.

Be Proud

Do not hide your YouTube channel. Include it in your resume/LinkedIn profile if you want a job in marketing, entertainment, or video production. Employers want to see passion and confidence! If you're seeking a different industry, have an answer. Companies don't want a sheepish answer that makes them wonder what embarrassing video will circulate their office.

Plus, you should always respect your work, which means respecting yourself!

via GIPHY

Be Knowledgable

Racy thumbnails and clickbait titles are golden. You are playing the social game. To fancy it up, you have mastered SEO, YouTube's algorithm, and psychology. You are no dummy! BUT, if you are just winging all 3 things that I just listed, stop doing that. Take the time to learn it. (Besides, if you want to call yourself a YouTuber, do the work to be successful. Not a lazy wannabe.) Then, if an interviewer asks you to elaborate, wow them with what you know, like current trends.

Be Ready

There is a chance your interviewer has already seen some of your videos. Most likely your weirdest, oldest, more embarrassing one. Think of possible questions they may ask. Come prepared with answers.

via GIPHY

Questions they may ask you...

How do you plan on being taken seriously in the work place with your content?
Why should I hire somebody who posts inappropriate content on the internet?
Do you think your YouTube videos align with our company's image?
Would you be willing to delete your account or discontinue posting if we offered you this position?

The interviewer may become harsh or overly critical of your channel. Stay calm and collected, but say what you mean. Don't promise to deactivate your account if that will devastate you and cause you to have resentment towards your employer. YouTube takes a lot of time and energy, so connect your experience with the job description. Think about it: you impressed them in some way to still have your interview.

Are you struggling with this issue and need further help? Or do you have any advice to offer? Please use the comments section to help everyone!

Want to read more in my 'Small YouTuber' series? Check out these articles:

0 Comments