SEA Specialist
Also known as: Paid Search Specialist · PPC Specialist
Deploys advertising budget on search engines and ad networks, manages bids and audiences and optimises daily on cost per conversion.
The SEA specialist manages paid search and works with short feedback loops on hard numbers. Unlike the SEO specialist, this role steers with budget directly, so mistakes cost money immediately. Selection often only asks for platform certifications, while in practice the role fails on numerical rigour around margins and resisting internal pressure to keep spending in channels that do not return.
Competencies to measure
These are the behavioural and ability constructs in this profile. Each one shows which hrmforce questionnaire measures it.
| Competencies to measure | Target level | hrmforce instrument | Assessment method | Behavioural anchor at target level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creative thinking Competency (50-framework): Creativity | N4 | Big Fifty, Competency Check | Personality questionnaire | Puts several unusual solution directions side by side for a stuck problem and works out the most promising direction further. |
| external awareness Competency (50-framework): Environmental Awareness | N3 | Big Fifty, Competency Check | Structured interview | Follows sources outside the organisation systematically and uses those signals when adjusting working methods within the team. |
| Flexibility Competency (50-framework): Flexibility | N3 | Big Fifty, 15PF, Competency Check | Personality questionnaire | Revises the approach independently when the request changes, keeps stakeholders informed and still delivers the result within the boundaries. |
Short profile
The ten heaviest skills in this profile. The full profile with every skill, behavioural anchor and assessment method is in the download.
| T | Skill | Target level | Weight | Knockout | Assessment method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T | Managing digital advertising campaigns | N5 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Written expression | N4 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Content creation for target audiences | N4 | 5 | yes | Portfolio or evidence |
| V | Content marketing | N4 | 5 | yes | Portfolio or evidence |
| V | Marketing analytics and attribution | N4 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Quantitative interpretation | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| G | Creative thinking | N4 | 4 | no | Personality questionnaire |
| V | Editing and plain language | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Storytelling | N4 | 4 | no | Simulation |
| V | Data analysis | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
See all 24 skills in the full profile
Assessment instruments for this job
Work sample test
Representative work sample under standardized conditions
Portfolio
Evaluation of prior work against fixed criteria
Competency Check
Behavioral-Level Competency Assessment
Knowledge test (client-specific)
Professional knowledge test, customized for each client
Big Fifty
Personality questionnaire, 150 items, 25 factors
Ability Scan
Aptitude Test: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning Skills
360 Feedback
Multiple assessments based on behavioral anchors
15PF
Personality Profile, a shorter alternative to the Big Fifty
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