I gave a talk at UBC last week on “uncovering the hidden job market online” – from how to find job listings to how to network on and offline. Whether you're a new grad or just looking to make a change, here are a few highlights from my presentation for the social media savvy job hunter:
Tweet Your Way to a Cool Job with 
Twitter is a great resource for information and job openings are no exception.
- As JmakTech advises “Use the search at search.twitter.com to find specific tweets about companies and recruiters hiring. Search for specific titles you are interested in like ‘community manager‘ or more generic terms like ‘now hiring‘. Also, check out TwitHire which is a free service that has begun aggregating all job related tweets.”
- Occasionally, (and when you have built up a good database of
followers/connections) mention (tweet) that you are looking for work
(be specific about what you want – even writing a Twitpitch
for yourself (elevator pitch of <140 characters). If you can add a
link to your portfolio, so much the better. (You might also adding your
resume/portfolio/linkedin profile as a “posted item” on your Facebook.)
- Make sure your profile and picture looks like
you’re professional – or at the very least, not nuts (I question the
motivations of Twitterers with shirtless pics…). For the “Web”
section, use your blog, website or Linkedin profile – which ever you
think would present you best/most-interesting. If you have any mad
design/photography skills you could upload your own background design. Or bereft of any such talent (as I am) you can look to a “Pimp my Twitter Background” type site, or even get one customized, to make your profile stand out and mesh with your brand.
- Create real relationships. Schawbel notes: “Most
people get jobs on Twitter by already having hundreds or thousands of
followers. For example, I’ve heard of at least ten people getting a job
by tweeting “just got laid off, looking for a job in finance” and then
receiving a few direct messages with people who want to help them. Of
course, these individuals had built trust, credibility and relationships with their followers over time, so they were more inclined to come to their rescue. You can do the same, just start right now!
- Follow the companies you want to work at (or Twitters who work at
that company). But don’t harass or pester – just be friendly, lay low
and see if they tweet about a job opening. They just might.
