What if I told you that you could
use Twitter as a tool in your job search? If you’re as much of a Twitter-addict
as me you would be pretty excited. Twitter is my favorite social media website
for many reasons. It allows you to express your opinions, share interesting
articles, stay up-to-date on the latest news, and, of course, post funny photos
of animals doing cute things. The best part is, all of these posts stay at a
concise 140 characters with no room to ramble on (I’m looking at you,
Facebook).
The uses for Twitter that I have listed above are not all-encompassing. Twitter
is now emerging as the next great social networking job search tool, and people
are getting hired every day. So, you might be asking, “Why not just use
LinkedIn?” While LinkedIn is a great tool to display your work experience and
credentials, Twitter gives you a voice to express your professional opinions
and interests.
I have compiled a list of dos and
don’ts that may be helpful for those trying to navigate the job Twittersphere:
Do professionalize
your Twitter bio
Include links to articles you have published, any electronic portfolios you have, blogs, and your LinkedIn profile. Mention your professional interests in a few lines, and include your location. When it comes to your username, stick to some variation of your name. Examples: @shivanishendye, @shivani_shendye, @shendye. As for your Twitter name, stick to your first and last name.
Include links to articles you have published, any electronic portfolios you have, blogs, and your LinkedIn profile. Mention your professional interests in a few lines, and include your location. When it comes to your username, stick to some variation of your name. Examples: @shivanishendye, @shivani_shendye, @shendye. As for your Twitter name, stick to your first and last name.
Don’t
have the same account for your personal and professional interests
It’s ok to have two separate accounts. Don’t follow all your friends on your professional account. Instead, follow professionals in the industry you are interested in. Follow companies’ recruiting accounts too, as they often post jobs that are high-priority.
It’s ok to have two separate accounts. Don’t follow all your friends on your professional account. Instead, follow professionals in the industry you are interested in. Follow companies’ recruiting accounts too, as they often post jobs that are high-priority.
Don’t
just retweet articles that you find interesting
While showcasing your professional interests is important, it’s even more important to share your ideas and opinions. If someone tweets something you find interesting, engage with them. The best way to form a connection with someone is to talk about something that you are both interested in.
While showcasing your professional interests is important, it’s even more important to share your ideas and opinions. If someone tweets something you find interesting, engage with them. The best way to form a connection with someone is to talk about something that you are both interested in.
Do
follow these hashtags
Public relations recruiter Lindsay Olson lists nine must-follow hashtags for job seekers and provides great advice for using hashtags successfully: http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2014/01/27/9-must-follow-twitter-hashtags-for-job-seekers
Do have
fun with it
Recruiters want to see that you have a personality. While it is important to keep your account professional, don’t forget to have a sense of humor. Share your passions and show that you are part of a greater community. Networking goes both ways, so don’t be afraid to start conversations with other people who are doing interesting work.
Recruiters want to see that you have a personality. While it is important to keep your account professional, don’t forget to have a sense of humor. Share your passions and show that you are part of a greater community. Networking goes both ways, so don’t be afraid to start conversations with other people who are doing interesting work.
For more tips on using Twitter as a job search tool, check
out these articles:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2012/11/30/4-ways-to-use-twitter-to-find-a-job/
http://mashable.com/2013/02/09/twitter-job-search/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2012/11/30/4-ways-to-use-twitter-to-find-a-job/
http://mashable.com/2013/02/09/twitter-job-search/
Good Luck!
Shivani Shendye
Tufts ‘17
Shivani Shendye
Tufts ‘17
Shivani is a rising Junior at Tufts studying Economics and
International Relations. She enjoys all things listenable including but not
limited to music, podcasts, and audiobooks. This summer you can find her
working the front desk of the Career Center, strolling the streets of Boston,
attending concerts, or enjoying ice cream just about anywhere.
