10 Twitter Basic Tips for Job Seekers

Everyone is telling you to use Twitter for job search. Everyone is telling you to use LinkedIn for job search. Everyone is telling you to use Facebook for job search. But once you jump into the water, you stall. You don’t know how to move forward. You don’t know how to use Twitter in your job search.

Let’s just get some basics out of the way.

[Tweet “New to Twitter? Easy steps to make you build confidence in this brave new world.”]

And while we are at it, let’s blow out some misconceptions about Twitter. Many of these tips will also work on other platforms.

#1 → Do you have a profile pic?

•  And what does it say about you? I have used professional photographers for most of my head shots but you can find talented photographers who understand lighting and how to make photos look great.

• #2 →What does the bio say about you? This is the opportunity for a 160 characters of value. Write this carefully. Sell your brand but don’t sound needy. Here’s my latest bio statement on Twitter:

Today’s economy is challenging. As a professional resume writer, I help job seekers end their search using career marketing & networking strategies.

• #3 → Do you have a link? Your LinkedIn profile is a fine place to let your readers learn more about you than they can in 160 characters of your bio or your tweets.
• #4 → Don’t forget to tweet. When I see someone who is following people but has said nothing, I wonder why they are on Twitter. As odd as it might feel to just put something out there, something is better than nothing.
• #5 → Associate with mainly real people. Following brands is fine but to be effective on Twitter, you need to build a network. If you simply follow brands or company sites, you will get little interaction. Value on Twitter comes from building relationships.
• #6 → Don’t turn on the privacy option or use Protected Tweets. You have a reason to be on Twitter and if you make it tough for people to connect with you, they won’t.
• #7 → Use direct messages (DMs) sparingly. I don’t want to hear a thank you for connecting with you via DM. Talk to me in the stream. Save DMs for things like sharing your e-mail or phone number with someone who you know can help you in the job search.
• #8 → Retweet sparingly. While as a blogger, I like you sharing my posts if they resonate with you, I don’t want that to be the only thing in your stream. Retweet what you really love and space it out with conversation.
• #9 → Don’t be afraid to make basic comments. The weather can often spark a conversation.
• #10 → Keep it positive. You want to make a good first impression. Save whining for private times.

These are basic starter steps for those who are either just finding the Twitter platform or those who failed to get it right when they started.

Stuck in your job search or just ready to move on or up from your existing position? Julie Walraven, a professional resume writer and career marketing strategist, can help you write your resume and teach you how to find a new job. To find out how, Click here!

Photo Credit