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Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Twitter Me This
Can you tweet your way to a new position? Maybe. Why smart jobseekers are learning how to use social networking seriously.
Emily Trimble, 22, was just hoping to connect with friends when she signed up to use Twitter, the online social networking site, in March. Finding a job was the last thing on her mind.
But as she swapped “tweets” with pals from her home in Carlisle, Ind., the Valparaiso University graduate also signed up to follow news from an online lifestyle resource for collegiate sorority women, CollegeLifestyles. And suddenly, amidst the exchange of casual chitchat among friends, a job opportunity popped up on her screen.
“Pretty soon they posted a Tweet that they were looking for interns,” Trimble says. “I followed the links, filled out the application and within a few weeks was notified that I had the job.”
Though Trimble’s quick success isn’t the norm, her experience supports the growing notion of the importance of using social media in the job search. According to Bill Handy, a visiting professor at Oklahoma State University specializing in public relations, social media and PR technology, it extends from those who have just graduated to those who have been in the workforce for many years.
“Social media has become such a big part of life that it makes sense to use this to help us find jobs,” Handy says. “There’s an ease integrating social media into our everyday life.”
Since its birth in 2006, Twitter’s presence online has already grown at significant rates. According to an estimate by eMarketer, about 6 million Americans used Twitter in 2008, with projections of a jump to 18.1 million users in 2010. But are there right and wrong ways to use Twitter in a job search?
Unofficial Twitter etiquette parallels any other communication, whether it be sending e-mails or meeting people face-to-face. Basically, Handy says, that means be nice and don’t say anything you wouldn’t want repeated. Just as in other forms of communication, using Twitter for a job search takes time, strategy and some finesse.
First, recognize that Twitter one tool in the job search, not necessarily a direct portal to a position. It’s most effective when used in conjunction with other resources because its ultimate value comes from connecting networks of people and allowing job seekers to listen into important industry conversations. The No. 1 rule is to build relationships, which means having patience, investing time and not expecting someone to help you right away.
“Twitter can really broaden your network and give you access to people who you otherwise would not have access to,” says Andrea Rice, co-founder of Gotta Mentor, a Web-based career development and mentoring platform. “But all of that requires some time. You have to immerse yourself in the conversation around industries or companies that you care about to open doors that could lead to job opportunities.”
This often means listening first before jumping in. The conversations you find probably began many Tweets before you arrived, so it’s important to enter with humility and an eagerness to learn. “Be respectful of those people who have been there before,” Handy says. “Take the time and get to know them before you push yourself out there.”
It also means looking out for fellow Twitter users. It’s tempting to keep information you discover to yourself, but effective social networking is built on mutually beneficial relationships. “If you come across that it’s all about what you want and need and what they can you do for you, you’re not going to have many people who want to follow you or be helpful to you,” Rice says. “One of the key things is demonstrating a willingness to help others, post useful content and respond to people’s questions.”
Handy adds that this means being OK with sharing news of an open position with other people, even if it’s one in which you are interested. “Someone else may end up with the position, but if you were the one to let them know, there’s a greater chance they or others will help you in the long run,” he says.
Perhaps the most important etiquette in social media job searching is to present yourself accurately.
Just remember that even with new technology, successful job hunting often comes down to old-fashioned relationships.
“Don’t lose site that face to face contact is still one of your best bets,” Handy advises. “Get out and network.”
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