Job Search Tips: Find Meaningful Careers Through Twitter

Are you currently using Twitter to find job leads? If not, there is a whole universe for you to discover.

Twitter took the world by storm when it became a novel way to broadcast your thoughts and interact with organizations, celebrities and other professionals. It has changed the way almost all industries conduct their business from selling products to managing customer relations, and yes – to even hiring.

For many, the idea of using Twitter may not make a lot of sense. For one, people who use Twitter may seem to use a funny language, have poor grammar, shorten words too much (i.e. "you" = "u"), and are restricted by the 280-character limit that you have to broadcast your message. Also, many people just don't feel like broadcasting information about themselves on a public forum.

However, if you aren't participating in the Twitter space for finding employment, then you are behind the curve and missing the boat on many opportunities that may be a good fit your job search because there are hundreds of jobs on Twitter. Twitter handles like @VSNUSA, @hiringourheroes, @vacareers and @vetemployment are just a few of the hundreds of profiles dedicated to getting veterans and family members employed.

We are not going to teach you all the ins and outs of using this valuable platform. However, we do want to make the case that if you have been resistant to using Twitter, you should re-think your position because Twitter is one of the best ways to connect directly with a hiring manager, and even the head of an organization. If you are a beginner on using Twitter for your job search, then please read the article, “Getting Started on Twitter: 25 Tips For Job-Seekers to Take Advantage of the Web’s Best-Kept Job Search Secret” available at: https://www.livecareer.com/resources/jobs/search/job-seeeker-twitter-tips.

Once you get registered and begin using Twitter, start searching for jobs. Simply put the job title you are seeking in the search box and see what comes up. What you will find are people who broadcast jobs (i.e. recruiters and head hunters), as well as companies and staffing agencies that are looking for people just like you.

The really exciting thing is that Twitter allows you to have direct interaction with people and organizations about these jobs. You can ask questions, discuss specifics, and make yourself known beyond just sending a resume. As a matter of fact, if you are using Twitter correctly you should begin tweeting about your area of specialty. If you have a series of tweets that discuss your knowledge of the industry and profession you are interested in, you will essentially be establishing yourself as an expert candidate. Also, the more you tweet the more people will begin finding and following you. You may even find yourself being contacted by a potential employer about a new position.

So, what are you waiting for? Get tweeting and good luck!