If Twitter is not already one of your job search tools, you’d better sign up today. There are plenty of internships and entry-level jobs to be found using the “micro-blogging” service – some solely advertised there.
But, keep in mind, just like a regular cover letter, there are rules and etiquette to follow – except you have to do so in 140 characters, as many of the positions require you to “@” or “DM” the hiring manager. How should this be done without blowing your chances of being considered?
1. Get a VisualCV or some other online résumé. I recommend doing this before signing up for a Twitter account if you don’t have one already. It should include the same information the résumé you would normally include with your cover letter, perhaps even downloadable in PDF format. This way, in your 140 character tweet, you can also include your résumé. (Note: Use a service like TinyURL to make the Web address of your résumé shorter.)
2. Do a little research before applying. Where is the organization located? What do they do? Just who exactly is the person tweeting this position – the director of HR or a senior-level individual in your field? Read his or her recent tweets to find out what interests them. You might be able to use it to your advantage in your response. Always know your audience.
3. Follow the application instructions. This may seem unnecessary to point out, but if the person posting the position indicates you should @ or DM your résumé, do it. Just like a regular job ad, you should do exactly what it says.
4. Don’t be too informal. Again, just like in a regular cover letter, you shouldn’t use emoticons. It makes you look unprofessional from the very beginning, and gives the hiring manager a good reason to throw away your application of many others have been received. However, in the land of 140 characters, I think it’s ok to abbreviate or shorten some of your words – just make sure the message you’re trying to get across is clear to the reader.
5. Answer the question, “Why should we hire you?” Tough to do in 140 characters, I know – especially when some of those are taken up by a link to your online résumé. But, think about what the position requires and what previous accomplishments and skills you bring to the table.
Read more about using Twitter in your job seach in this past article.
Comments
Ok- I have to ask- what exactly does "if the person posting the position indicates you should @ or DM your résumé" mean?
Excellent advice on using Twitter and Tinyurl -- thank you for sharing it!
Charlotte Libov
Miami Women's Health Examiner
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