Telstra's social media militia

They're locked, loaded and ready to tweet.

Telstra's social media militia are on the prowl and they are ready to respond to your every beck and call, whether it is through Facebook, Twitter or any other social media the company is engaging with.

While it's been long known that employers are using social media to headhunt future employees, Telstra CEO David Thodey yesterday gave statistical proof to what is another growing avenue of employment – jobs based around social media.

According to News.com.au Thodey said at a Queensland Media Club lunch yesterday that the telco employs 60 staff to monitor the company's social media footprint and respond to emerging complaints.

It's the right move, according to corporate social media blogger, Jeff Bullas. When writing about how social media management tool, HootSuite can help keep you aware of your social media presence he said:

“You need to know what people are saying, seven days a week, so that you can put out fires before they grow.”

Telstra must have heeded his advice.

With this announcement setting a precedent you can bet it's now likely that more and more companies will now outline their commitments to social media platforms – and the number of jobs tied to it could be staggering.

In the interim, here's an infographic created by Onlinedegrees.com and sourced from AnsonAlex.com  illustrating what we do know: how social media is shaping the job searching process.