5 Questions for Phenom's Devin Foster

Devin Foster runs digital content for Philadelphia based Phenom. He does a great job at highlighting Phenom's brand in the HR tech space so I decided to catch up with him over email about his role.

Describe a day in the life of an HR tech content creator?

Cliché warning: no two days are alike when it comes to content creation. However, I believe it's crucial to establish a structure for your days with as much consistency as possible. This includes setting aside calendar blocks for analyzing stats and dedicated time for planning and scheduling.

But in the fast-paced world of the internet, things move swiftly. Trends, topics, and memes can be hot one day and cringeworthy the next. Moreover, it's essential to consider your audience and be aware of their preferences so while it is vital to act quickly, you also have to remain aware of your audience's preferences.

As a content creator, the pressure is on to stay ahead of the curve. You never want to feel like you're lagging behind, yet there's also the imperative to create evergreen content that isn't time-sensitive — a balancing act that can get quite stressful.

However, it's crucial to stay level-headed and remember that not every piece of content will go "viral." Consistency is key to leaving a lasting impression.

What's it like to work at Phenom (also what's the best part?)

I love working at Phenom. In fact, I love it so much that I left and then returned. Being a boomerang employee can be challenging from a pride perspective, but Phenom's culture and its people made the transition seamless for me. The reason I returned is because I feel fully accepted and appreciated for who I am at work. This, coupled with our purpose of helping a billion people find the right work, are, in my opinion, the best aspects of Phenom.

Describe the best piece of content you're most proud of and why?

The piece of content I'm most proud of is always the next one I create. Like many others, my attention span can be alarmingly short in today's fast-paced world. However, I thoroughly enjoy sharing my ideas and witnessing them come to life. While not all of my creations set the metrics on fire, the sheer joy of crafting something is immensely rewarding.

But if I had to choose one piece of content — and I will blur the lines on “one” — I am most proud of our weekly live stream on LinkedIn, “Talent Experience Live”. This platform provides me and our guests with the opportunity to delve into hot topics in HR, offering our insights and solutions to pressing issues within the industry.

How much content do you produce daily?

I typically create 1 to 3 pieces of content daily. I believe it's crucial to maintain this pace because modern consumers are savvy and quick to notice when they've encountered something before. As a result, it's essential for Phenom's channels to remain fresh and consistently offer new and engaging material. While we do follow a loose content calendar, I always leave room for spontaneous ideas and fresh content that we're excited to share. After all, we never know when the next Taylor Swift meme might drop.

What content tools are part of your daily routine?

I utilize a plethora of tools on a weekly basis, ranging from generative AI to face swap technology. However, on a daily basis, I rely on Sprout Social for scheduling posts and tracking analytics. Additionally, I regularly use the Adobe Suite for creative needs, including Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro.

What advice would you give to someone in HR tech looking to jumpstart their content marketing?

I believe the most important advice I can offer is to keep creating and keep posting. Improvement comes through practice and creation. You'll never discover what performs well unless you hit that post button. Stay grounded when something succeeds and don't let setbacks discourage you. In my opinion, content creation is just like exercising — it requires consistent effort to enhance your skills. Once you start, it becomes addictive and forms a habit, making you better each time you engage in it.

Connect with Devin on LinkedIn

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