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Lack of Formal Social Media Training Creates Talent Gap for Social Media Professionals

CHICAGO, April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — With the continued exponential growth in social media, keeping up with constant changes is a challenge. Not only for businesses of all sizes recruiting talent but also for professionals who are trying to stay up-to-date with all of the platforms and the best way to use them. Learning these new skills is made complicated by the lack of specialized training schools, the pace of change and unreliable information found on the Internet.

According to Adobe's Digital Distress Report, 82% of digital marketing professionals learn on the job, but many businesses and agencies lack adequate employee training programs and resources to effectively diminish the talent gaps in their workforce. Because of this void, there has been steady growth for companies that provide formal training on social media and digital marketing.

One such company, Chicago-based Instant E-Training, says that the market for individuals and companies who need this type of training is continuing to expand. Founder Bob Tripathi says, "We constantly see mid-level professionals and job seekers looking for formal training to keep up with the changing landscape and shifting priorities of social media." He also adds, "Social Media Certification, in particular has become a major priority as many want to distinguish themselves throughout their career or as they look for new job opportunities."

Additionally, there is an increase in the number of jobseekers looking to leverage their job search through social media outlets and improve their skills to do so. Katrina Pardi, a Human Resources professional for The Chicago Hire Company, says, "As a recruiter, I regularly use social media to find job seekers. It's obvious from LinkedIn pages whether someone is passive or active in their search, whether they have good communication skills and grammar etc." She adds, "For us it's clear, LinkedIn and Facebook are both a top source for jobseekers, and excellent sources for referrals."

Tara Farnsworth who took one such course through Instant E- Training was able to take her skills to a whole new level, "It was a dynamic experience, if you can imagine a master's level style program with the leaders of each industry giving you insight and tips to develop a detailed social media business plan." With lifelong learners like Tara Farnsworth and so many active job seekers, it's clear that there is a big market for those looking to keep on top of social media and use it to their advantage.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Brennan
(330) 703-4265
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