Tweet Your Way to a Job

Which social network comes to mind when you plan your job search?

LinkedIn, right? That is a good choice, and while you need to make the most of it, remember that the masses of job searchers are flocking to it. But one of the best job hunting is often overlooked: Twitter has advantages that will not only boost your online brand, but will keep you updated on jobs in your field. For me, Twitter has been a great way to position my profile in front of key influencers in my field. The openness of Twitter and its brevity also make it a great platform to network with thought leaders, and present yourself as a person who truly embraces social media. Here are some practical tips.

How to leverage Twitter for your job search

Become a thought leader – Pick a few topics in your industry and share interesting articles and thoughts about them. Over time, people will recognize you as an authority in your space. However, don’t just put out articles like a robot. Focus instead on providing meaningful commentary on them. Over time, this strategy will work wonders for you.

Research companies – The openness of Twitter makes it a great place to gather information on companies you might be interested in. Many companies will announce their job openings on Twitter, or the different events they are attending. You can also find employees of those companies on Twitter and engage with them before you even interview there.

Be professional but interesting – Twitter is not as business-focused as LinkedIn, so you have a chance to show your personality. But don’t just talk about where you’re hanging out with your friends. Share updates about the causes you support or the events you go to. When somebody checks out your Twitter stream, you want them to walk away being impressed with your knowledge, and to know more about you as a person–an potential colleague.

Build a network – Approach Twitter as a networking tool. Build lists of people worth following, join Twitter Chats, and connect with bloggers in your industry. This will position you as someone who is active in your field, and give you a chance to keep up with what’s going on in your industry. Twitter can be a great tool for your job search. Just make sure that you approach it with the right mindset, otherwise you will be spending a lot of time while receiving few results.