Finding a job is never easy. For fifthysomething workers (or older) it may seem as though a foray into a new career or job is akin to entering an alien world straight out of Star Wars. You may hear words like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter and feel completely overwhelmed.
Today, let's take a look at Twitter and how it can help you land work. The microblogging site lets you post 140 character updates and ramblings. Think of it as text messaging on steroids. Other people follow you and you follow those you are interested in. You can message others and carry on public or private conversations online. Hence, the reason this service is called social networking. It's really all about exchanging news, thoughts, and ideas with others from all corners of the globe.
Here's where Twitter can prove valuable: If you have expertise on a subject--whether it's budget travel, marketing, or Web design--you can post news, tips, information, and more. Over time, and assuming you are providing valuable information and useful links--followers will gain respect for you and look to you for expertise. In essence, you're branding yourelf and establishing a reputation in a given field.
But gaining a following is only half the task. You also need to figure out who to follow. Some individuals play the numbers game and follow as many people as they can, in the hope that others will follow them back. But it may be wise to look toward a narrower group that's in line with your professional interests and aspirations. You can use the Twitter search tool for areas of keywords and common interests. Once you identify people who match your criteria, you can follow them and hope that they follow back. Again, over time, your trusted circle becomes larger and more powerful. If you're doing things right, you will find yourself connecting to other experts and authorities in your professional field.
This is where Twitter emerges as a powerful tool. It's then possible to expand these connections beyond Twitter and into e-mail, the telephone, even in person. Coffee or lunch isn't outside the realm of possibility once people get to know and trust each other. Moreover, many companies and professional recruiters monitor Twitter and look for promising candidates.
If all of this seems like a good deal of work, well...it is. But like any effort, the time and energy you invest will pay dividends down the line. A few things to know, however:
1. Don't expect overnight results. You must build a following and establish connections with others you want to follow well before you actually need it. This process can take weeks or months. It requires that you post items regularly and participate in discussions. Remember, the more you give the more you get back.
2. You must learn how to use Twitter effectively. You need to set up a good profile. Not surprisingly, there are rules and eqitquette you must follow. Step outside the boundaries and you are like to find yourself spinning your wheels and going nowhere.
3. Be careful what you say. Don't badmouth anyone and understand that although you don't see all the people out there in Twitterland, they are there...and seeing your Tweets. More than a few individuals have short-circuited their job or career search by posting something dumb.
4. Enjoy the process. Try to have some fun with networking online and getting more familiar with social netowrking in general. As with anything in life, good things often happen when you're not trying too hard and forcing the action.
5. Don't think of Twitter as simply a way to find a job. Building a network can lead to many additional dividends, including new friends, emotional support, and freelance or consulting gigs. Keep your radar up and remain open to new opportunties.
Finding the work you love can take many forms. Twitter is just one of them. But these days it pays to think social--and in networking.
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