| Twitter is HUGE with an estimated 100 million people | | | | Twitter and waste an awful lot of time following what |
| registered (though figures vary). If you haven't | | | | other people are saying. Here are some tips for |
| discovered it yet, it's probably time you did! We, well | | | | jobseekers: |
| me anyway, tend to think that these social media sites | | | | Use your profile wisely (you only have 160 |
| are for the 'young' but only about 10% of Twitter users | | | | characters so if you are looking for a certain job, say |
| are in the 12-18 age group which leaves lots of scope | | | | so in the profile) |
| for us! But it's true to say that whilst Twitter says it's | | | | Upload a professional looking photo (I suggest you |
| worldwide, this actually means predominantly US! | | | | use the same one you put on Linked In so you begin |
| Traffic is heavier from UK than other European | | | | to establish your 'brand' across the web) |
| countries and although there are other language | | | | Include a link in your profile to an online CV (this |
| versions (for example, in French it's fr.twitter.com) they | | | | can be posted on your website if you have one, or |
| aren't used very much. | | | | your blog or use a 'text hosting' site where you can |
| So Twitter is possibly going to be more useful if you | | | | store your CV for free on the internet somewhere) |
| are a freelance and want to attract people to your | | | | Add a link to your Linked In profile too |
| website or if you sell something online and want to | | | | Tweet about your job search - for example |
| create a following for your product. It is still worth | | | | "Looking for ways to get into advertising" or "looking |
| looking at though as you never know who might find | | | | for MD jobs in IT" |
| you. | | | | Don't tweet about irrelevancies like what you're |
| Unlike LinkedIn, Twitter is not exclusively for business | | | | having for lunch or the fact that you're just going to |
| use so you need to be careful if you are serious job | | | | pick the kids up if you want to appear serious! |
| seeker not to post irrelevant messages (or 'Tweets' | | | | In any case, it's a growing social phenomenon and you |
| as they are called). We obviously can't go into too | | | | need to be up to date so go and have a look, play |
| many details here, but there are some key features of | | | | around with it and see what use you can make of it. |
| Twitter: | | | | You can set up an account for free and if you are |
| You are restricted to 140 characters for each | | | | just investigating I suggest you register under an |
| message (it was set up as a sort of online Text | | | | assumed name (make up anything you like) so this |
| messaging platform) | | | | gets you in. Later on if you think it's useful to you, you |
| You can 'follow' and have 'followers' - take a look | | | | can create another account under your real name |
| at the site and there are tutorials for you to learn more | | | | where prospective recruiters can find you. |
| about this | | | | TOP TIP |
| There's a search feature for you to find people | | | | You can use the search bar to put in the job you are |
| (but not everyone uses their real name) | | | | looking for and look at the results you get. But be |
| Using Twitter to find a job | | | | warned; the majority of jobs are in US or UK! |
| It is really easy to get caught up in 'conversations' on | | | | |