Networking During a Pandemic Part 4: Twitter

Quick Review
As a prerequisite for this article, there are a few things we covered in previous articles in the series. Click here: https://rly.pt/37WISFl for Part 1 and here: https://rly.pt/2QfuqCL for Part 2 and here: https://rly.pt/3bRXXtL for Part 3.

Twitter is an amazing tool for making connections with potential employers and marketing yourself. This article will share the benefits of using Twitter and helpful strategies to engage with others on the platform.

Your Profile
- Your Handle - This is how people will identify you so do your best to create a handle that matches your name.
- Your Pictures – There are opportunities for two images, your profile picture and your cover photo. Be sure these images are professional. Consider using the same images on your LinkedIn profile so there is consistency.
Your Bio – This is your marketing tool to share who you are in 160 characters so make each word count!
Your Website – Use this place to direct people to you. If you do not have your own professional website, consider using your LinkedIn profile link.

Twitter Mechanics
- The primary functions of Twitter are:
- Posting on your timeline
- Following profiles of people and organizations
- Liking the posts of others by clicking the heart button
- Retweeting posts of others so it is displayed on your timeline, this can be done with or without your comment
- Commenting on the posts of others
- Sharing the posts of others in a Direct Message
- Sending a Direct Message (private) to profiles you follow and who also follow you back
- Using an @mention to include other profiles in your post
- Searching for posts and conversations using a #hashtag

To learn more about Twitter visit their help section: https://help.twitter.com/en

4 Strategies for Using Twitter
1. Post content! You don’t have to post multiple times per day (though you certainly can) but you do need to create compelling content in order for readers to take an interest in your feed. . Try to post at least a few days a week so you appear current.

2. Regarding the type of content, that is up to you. Just keep in mind that what you post will shape the opinion others have of you. Keep things professional and non-controversial. Some ideas are: sharing opinions on a professional article along with the link, best practice tips for your industry or professional role, helpful videos relevant to your career and retweeting posts of other profiles on your own feed.

3. Follow profiles of people and organizations relevant to your job search. Posts from those profiles will be in your news feed on your home page. Readthrough your feed, like and comment on posts and articles that relate to your industry and career path. And be sure to keep your comments professional and non-controversial.

4. Participate in existing conversations by searching with #hashtags. Try a #hashtag related to your industry and look through the results. Should you find a conversation interesting, join in with your comments. Use @mentions with other profiles in your conversation to engage them. You can also follow industry topics by clicking “Topics” in the left sidebar where you access your profile, and selecting ones that speak to your professional interests.

Start a conversation with a person or organization with an @mention post. You can ask them questions related to your industry, congratulate them on a success or even request to be introduced to someone who can help you grow your network and learn about opportunities.

These are just a few ways to leverage this very powerful tool. Twitter allows you to connect with people and organizations you ordinarily would never have the chance to engage in a quick and concise way.