Accelerate Your Job Search with Twitter (The Other Professional Network)

by The Resume Resource

Many job seekers are aware by now that LinkedIn is highly beneficial to your job search. However, they often overlook the “other professional network”…
Twitter.

With the ability to connect you with people across the country or around the world, Twitter enables you to expand your network well outside of your immediate circles. Twitter can be used to follow current trends in your industry as well as identify companies in growth mode (which means they will probably be hiring).

As most hiring managers and recruiters have a Twitter account, Twitter opens the doors to communication with experts in your field. Finally, the platform allows you to brand yourself professionally; to show potential employers why they need you on their team. When they see you confidently sharing your expertise, you have an advantage over your competition!

To get your Twitter job search going, here are some best practices that will help you take full advantage of the other professional network:

Account Set-up (Done Right)

Set up a designated job search account with a user name that contains your full name. Use the bio section of your profile to brand yourself for the workplace, and include a professional-looking headshot (no one takes “Twitter eggs” seriously).

Stay Under 140 Characters

I find it easiest to compose my tweets in Microsoft Word, where I can take advantage of the character count feature. You can use a site such as bitly.com to shorten your links. You might also use a Twitter management tool such as TweetDeck.

Tweet Relevant Content Only

All your tweets should include helpful information or links to articles of professional interest, with a brief comment or intriguing lead-in. Search Twitter for relevant hashtags (#) and then include them, sparingly, in your tweets (don’t use more than three hashtags per tweet; more than that looks like you’re trying too hard).

Build Your Network (Carefully)

Use Twitter’s search option to find others who share your interests. Be careful to grow your network at a moderate pace to avoid looking like a fake spam account. A Twitter best practice is to balance the number of people you follow with your followers. Far more followers and you appear to be a “broadcaster” (someone who only wants to talk). A far higher number of people you’re following and it appears no one wants to follow you.

More tips and the complete article