Utilizing Twitter for Job Search
Are you using Twitter for job search? If the answer is no, here is why you should!
Following desired companies and industries on Twitter keeps you up-to-the-minute informed on the latest company news. Everyone prepares for job interviews by looking at a company’s website, but the savviest job seekers know that Twitter is the go-to resource for answering the interview question, “why do you want to work at company XYZ”. If you are following your “most wanted” companies on Twitter it will help to ensure that you will be the smartest candidate in the room on your job interviews! Other ways to utilize Twitter for job search include:
Follow companies/people with whom you would like to do business: create lists for the companies and industries and follow them. Add key people and companies to list with titles like “Dream Jobs” or “People I admire”
Follow leaders in your field and re-tweet their posts: the great thing about Twitter is that it is a level playing field. Those in entry-level positions can and should follow those in much more senior positions, industry leaders, etc. This helps to raise your visibility and build your brand within your field. Have your Twitter feed become a place for people to go to get the most up to date and valuable information about your industry.
Share Twitter updates on Facebook, LinkedIn and blogs: have your Tweets work harder for you! Share them on your other forms of social media in order to continue to build your brand and visibility across multiple platforms
Send direct messages to develop relationships and network: don’t be afraid to reach out to others on Twitter via direct messages. Have something to add to a conversation? Feel free! I have had clients who have developed relationships and even have gotten jobs through their Twitter relationships.
Search for jobs using Hashtags (i.e. looking for a job at Google? Try #Googlejobs) Companies may post jobs through Twitter that may not be posted elsewhere.
Remember, Twitter is a great resource for research and job hunting, don’t stress about providing unique content yet, that often comes with feeling more comfortable with the platform if you are new to it. Retweeting posts from others is a great way to start.
Happy Tweeting! And if follow me @pamelaweinberg.