An assignment desk editor is expected to be well versed in using social media and the internet to find story ideas. They must be good at picking up on stories that may not show up as very prominent online, but can find a local angle of importance in the area. They need to be able to uncover stories and dig deep into the internet to find them. The hiring manager is looking for someone who is constantly monitoring the internet for story ideas and updates and letting everyone in the newsroom know as they come.