As Twitter’s popularity continues to rise more and more people in search of their next career opportunity – or their next employee – are jumping on board looking for new ways to facilitate their quest.
The unbounded nature of Twitter offers a myriad of opportunities and resources that can be effective if leveraged properly.
Jeff Schwartz, @schwartznow, weighed in.
“Within two weeks on Twitter, I connected with @problogger. Through our relationship, my services were ultimately contracted by an Australian firm to write financial-trend articles for people living in or moving to Melbourne. Articles ranging from stock-portfolio and family-financial-planning tips to analyses of economic trends and the local housing market.
Twitter allowed me to reconnect with friends in the news media, people I either worked with during my career in broadcast journalism or who quoted me during my assignments in Fortune-500 industries, academia and the U.S. national laboratory system. As a result, I regularly supply story ideas for reporters worldwide, including CNBC and its international business audience.”
One woman I follow on Twitter was willing to share her story and asked to remain anonymous.
“I have become friendly with a VP of a well-respected area company. She has offered advice and has reviewed my resume in the past as a form of support and then a few weeks ago she asked if I was interested in a temporary position. I hadn’t heard from her for a while regarding the temporary job – and in the meantime a full-time job in my area became available in her company. I applied for the position and I asked her if she could forward my resume to the hiring manager. She did and in the mean time offered to interview me for her temporary job. I am meeting with her in a week when she is in town (she works at a satellite location).
For me, it certainly pays to engage with folks on Twitter – especially if they are willing to talk to you as well!”
Another said:
“Just this last week, I got a direct message from someone who follows me that is trying to fill a position. We connected by phone and I am currently working on filling the position as we speak. Having connections with businesses in my target area and location are very important in addition to the content I send via tweets. To date, my twittering has landed me three separate recruiting and consulting projects.”
So, how do you make Twitter work for you as a part of your job search?
I asked for input on Twitter.
@recruiterryan my tip: always pay attention to your target’s followers. more than likely some of their followers have an identical skill set.
@thekaitlin best advice: listen, observe, take in, but don’t be afraid to connect with people, talk to them, jump in. at worst they say no
@thekaitlin also reached out to people working or recently interview w/certain co’s to get insight/information – very helpful!
Build relationships and add value before asking for anything.
Twitter is a platform for building communities. Each person’s experience will be unique based on who they follow and how they interact. Think of it as one big party or networking event.
The “rules” are the same as in your day-to-day life. Avoid potentially explosive subjects like politics or religion and be an inclusive, positive presence.
Connect with people in and around the area(s) you work as well as other interests you have such as hobbies, sports, books, etc.
Inspire people to help you!
Show some of your personality; be “human!” Be engaged and engaging, and allow people to have a little insight into your life. People like to help people they like – and they don’t like to “follow” bots.
Share things that have relevance to other people. It’s human nature to want to identify with others. Use Twitter to relay information related to your field and the job you want.
Resources for job seekers
@JobShouts and @JobAngels are fantastic, user-friendly resources for people seeking jobs as well as recruiters.
Follow @JobShouts for a feed of open job opportunities. This is a free service for both job seekers and recruiters. You can also visit their website to view current job openings by category.
@JobAngels is a movement asking each individual to simply help one person find a job. Follow @JobAngels for job openings, and search #jobangels to find tips on interviewing, resumes, and more.
@JobSnob provides tips on what not to put on your resume, say in a cover letter, or do in an interview.
Network!
Use search.twitter.com to find professionals who work at the companies you’re targeting. Follow and connect with them to learn what it’s like to work there and whether they may be hiring. Develop relationships with people and ask if they might be willing to help you, perhaps through a referral or a tip on how to get your resume in front of the right person.
Twitter is just like anything else; you get back what you put in to it…and maybe a little more!
If you’re looking for a quick fix, Twitter isn’t it. If you truly embrace it, your Twitter community can introduce you to a whole new world of connections and opportunities.
Build relationships. Add value. Be open to the possibilities.
You just might be amazed by what happens.
{ 1 comment }
Twitter has been a great networking tool for me. I’ve met more HR pro’s and made more connections since I stated using as a professional tool than I have since I hopped on the HR train.
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