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I was speaking with an executive client recently about the new world of job search. As always, I counseled her that it was essential to have a branded, searchable LinkedIn profile and build a strategy to leverage all that the social networking site has to offer, just to keep pace with her peers who had already done so. She understood the validity of my advice and was on board.
But when I said that she should also consider Twitter, her response was, "If you think I'm going to waste my time on Twitter telling people what I had for breakfast, you're crazy!"
Unfortunately, many job seekers (especially senior executives, it seems) hesitate even setting foot on Twitter, despite the branding and networking power so many are realizing because of it.
Why Twitter Is Useful
My response to those who are skeptical or hesitant about Twitter? You should be hanging out wherever potential employers are and positioning yourself in front of them. They’ve been on Twitter for quite some time now, so you need to be there, too.
When leveraged in a professional manner (not merely for chitchat), Twitter can cast a far-reaching net, positioning your personal brand and building visibility and evangelism around your unique promise of value to employers.
On Twitter you can get on the radar of recruiters, employer hiring decision makers, industry thought leaders, and subject matter experts. Identify the right people to connect with, follow them, support them with frequent re-Tweets ("RT" - resending someone else's Tweets to your Followers), and position yourself as a person of interest.
Also search for everyone you know and work with to see if they're on Twitter, then follow them, and RT them, too.
How Twitter Is Useful
Through the Tweets of those you follow you may uncover job opportunities, plus gather market intelligence and discover challenges facing your target companies which you may be able to help them overcome.
Twitter is all about micro-blogging “tweets” in 140 characters or less. For best impact, Tweet (and RT) content that is consistent with your brand and will be interesting to your followers and relevant to your target audience.
5 Tips for ReTweeting Well:
- Say thank you . . . a lot. Take the time to thank those who RT you in a Tweet, even if you're not the Tweet originator.
- Don’t automatically RT a Tweet containing a link without first making sure that the link works and doesn’t lead somewhere you don’t really want to send people.
- Structure your original tweets so they’re short enough to allow for more than one ReTweet without alteration.
- Use hashtags in your RTs when you can. Read Ben Parr’s (@BenParr) HOW TO: Get the Most Out of Twitter #Hashtags, at @mashable for all the skinny.
- Include your own brief supportive comments with re-tweets that are exceptional. If you’re having a hard time generating conversation on Twitter, re-tweeting in this way will help.
More Resources and Information
You’ll find more RT tactics in my blog post, Twitter Personal Branding Strategy: The Beauty of a Re-Tweet.
Job-Hunt's Online Job Search Expert, Susan P. Joyce (@JobHuntOrg), has done the hard work of compiling lists of diverse tweeple to follow:
Another good idea is to follow personal branding and careers industry professionals because we have our hands deep into what's going on with job search. Check out Job-Hunt's 101 Best Twitter Job Search/Career Experts Plus 6.
If you're just starting out on Twitter, create your 160-character (maximum) Bio. This is an opportunity to showcase your personal brand message – your value proposition statement designed to resonate with your target audience.
Then you'll find most everything you need to know in Mashable's Twitter Guide Book. TwiTip is another destination for plenty of Twitter help. And Twitter FAQs offers pretty good instructions for newbies.
Your takeaway:
Join the millions of people, many of whom are job-seekers, who successfully leverage the networking and job search value of Twitter. Develop a time-limiting strategic plan for usage. It’s easy to squander an unfocused hour or more hopping around on Twitter.
You may be surprised by the valuable resources, opportunities, and people Twitter can lead you to that you would otherwise never have come across.
© Copyright Meg Guiseppi, 2010. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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Meg Guiseppi, Job-Hunt’s Personal Branding Expert and 20-year careers industry veteran, holds 7 certifications, including Reach Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Reach Certified Online Identity Strategist, and Master Resume Writer. Meg is the author of the ebook, "23 Ways You Sabotage Your Executive Job Search and How Your Brand Will Help You Land." Connect with Meg at Executive Career Brand, on LinkedIn (LinkedIn.com/in/megguiseppi), and on Twitter (@megguiseppi).
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