Twitter has many uses and one is an essential tool and resource for job searching
How to use Twitter in the job search?
- Create a professional twitter background page, with a sensible avatar and personal summary.
- Your personal summary should include KEYWORDS that are relevant to your job search and your situation.
- Include a link to an online website where your CV can be viewed [suggest LinkedIn] or perhaps a networking site where you have your own space, your website or even Facebook
- Use your twitter feed to present yourself as an expert, share your job search and ask questions.
- Build relationships with people you know, your network and recruiters. Use them wisely and offer support and ideas as well.
- Follow #Tweetmyjobs and look on their website as they offer a free service for job hunters.
- Use http://tweettabs.com/ or http://www.twellow.com/ to search for hr professionals and recruiters – use keywords such as executive search, sourcing, talent management etc to search within your industry and within your location. You can then search different profiles and follow them if they are right for you.
- Sign up for RRS feeds from Jobsites and http://www.twithire.com/
- Get listed in http://justtweetit.com/ . You can expand your choices and network so you are linking with others who have shared interests.
- Don’t ignore the benefits of searching using the hashtag # and abbreviations like NAJ or HAJ; also words like job, hiring, employment.
- Give out positive messages on twitter: “Looking for an opportunity” reads better than “wondering whether to have another glass of … ”
- Be honest, open and act with integrity at all times. Employers do not want surprises.
- Follow @Microjobs – a profile set up to link recruiters and job seekers. Depending on your sector and location you might find it a useful connection. NB: they do not follow you back.
There will be a number of twitter accounts that are dedicated to job listings in different sectors, locations, and more. If you specify your own criteria you can get mobile alerts to your phone / e-mail and be amongst the first to get notifications.
I can’t repeat enough times that it is seriously hard work job hunting, so investing time and strategy in twitter needs a fool proof plan. Use it in combination with other social media and networking, build strong connections and it could prove to be a successful addition and help you find opportunities, get you interviews and land you a job.