Using Twitter for career networking

What is all this “twittering” about, what is Twitter, what are “tweeple”, what is a “tweet”, what is a “retweet”, what are “followers” and how do I get some,  why would anyone want to know “what are you doing”, and why do I only get 140 characters to tell anyone?  These are just a few of the questions by those just hearing about Twitter for the first time, or having heard so much about Twitter in the media recently, have decided to take a closer look at the phenomenon known as Twitter, that is exploding all over the world with sky-rocketing popularity and thousands of new users every day.  Here is my take at answering some of these questions, and sharing what I’ve learned about Twitter – what IT IS and what IT IS NOT.
 
How is Twitter Different from Facebook and LinkedIn?
For the purposes of career networking, it may be best to use Twitter as a source for career networking and information gathering.  Facebook is better used for personal updates, and for keeping connected with family and friends. Twitter can serve as your primary source for keeping current with your field and with industry leaders, desired employers, and other “power contacts” you want to “follow”.  Because Twitter does not require verification of “follower” requests, it is much easier to connect to people than on LinkedIn. Twitter allows for a more free flowing exchange of information and for “live”, “in the moment” networking using microblogging. LinkedIn is not “conversational” and allows only for “one-way” updates.  LinkedIn is better used for keeping your career profile / resume current, maintaining and expanding your contact list, joining groups to share career / job search information,  and  doing company or people searches. 

What Unique Information Does Twitter Provide?
Through the people you follow you are able to stay current in your present field or to learn about what is going on in a field of interest. Twitter has also introduced a new search feature. This search feature is quite different than Google. With Google the first results you see are often from paid sponsors or they are official websites. On Twitter the search results are the views, opinions and responses of Twitter members. For example, a Google search on a particular company will show results including that company’s official website and news articles on that company.  A Twitter search will show Twitter users’ responses to this company, whether from clients, employees or ex-employees. If a Twitter search for a particular field or company brings results from individuals you find reliable, they may be people you want to follow.

How Can I Best Make Use of Twitter for Networking?
Often times the people you choose to follow will also follow you, even if they do not know you.  By posting timely and relevant information, such as links to online resources and blogs, or timely feedback on events such as job fairs or important trends, you are able to engage a wide variety of people. In doing so, the focus should be on the quality of information or personal opinion you are sharing.  As with in person networking, the more you contribute to others, the more you will earn a good reputation which can serve you well.  As a “best practice” note, self-promotion is frowned upon.  Sharing and posting career / job information, helpful links, social media tips, answering questions, or starting a discussion to benefit others with similar interests is what it is all about.    

What Are “Followers” and Who Should I Follow?
When you follow someone on Twitter, you receive their “tweets” or the messages they send via twitter. These tweets can be no longer than 140 characters. Every time you post something on twitter your followers will receive that information.  When following someone on Twitter, you can see their other followers and who they follow, and this can help develop your information network.

When Twitter is being used for the job search, you will want to follow prominent people in your field, such as corporate leaders, authors, speakers, bloggers, etc.  Most of these people do not use Twitter for personal updates, but to recommend events, online articles and blog posts, and other important information that can keep you current in your field. Hiring managers or human resource directors may use Twitter to get the word out about open positions. Twitter provides opportunities for keeping current in your field and for getting timely updates about what is happening in various fields and companies.

Authors, bloggers, and business owners use Twitter professionally.  Here are a few ”follow” recommendations to get the latest career, job search, branding, social media articles, links, tools, and tips:

Alison Doyle
Tim Tyrell-Smith
Meg Guiseppi
Dan Schawbel
Diana Lewis
Annemarie Cross (Career Communique Radio)
Keith Keller (Career Communique Radio)
Guy Kawasaki
Chris Perry
Alex Griffiths
Warren Sukernek
Annemarie Smith (owner “Social Media Hookup")
ToniaAngelCraig

Some great Richmond “tweeple” to follow are:

Sara Dunnigan (tweets for RichmondJobNet)
Jeff Jefferson (aka “thecareergiant”)
Brent Peterson (founder - InterviewAngel)
Nhat Pham
Casey Quinlan
Carroll K. Schuller (FastCoach)
Dave Saunders
Sue Ayers
RichmondGrid
KendallMorris
richmonddotcom
Steve Kimball (EconomyHeroes)

Daulton West - (aka “dwestjr”) – follow me to see who I follow

In conclusion, I have shared some of what I’ve learned about Twitter after over five months of research and using the application, almost daily.  There are many misconceptions being tossed around Twitter, and I’ve seen the erroneous reporting on the nightly news, and read the articles in various media outlets.   Recent internet surveys confirm the age demographics for Twitter as being over 25 yrs old, most often used by the 45-54 yr old segment.   Twitter has fast become the new way to communicate, market, and do searches on the internet, and those have the vision and can “connect the dots”, already know this.  When used professionally, not like a Facebook page, where people share too many mundane daily activities, it can be an awesome tool to expand your network and stay current on “in the moment” late-breaking news, and cutting edge industry information.  

Are you connecting those dots yet?

- Daulton West, Jr. , aka ”DWestJr” on Twitter

Other articles that may be of interest:

Social Media and the Job Hunt (SMCEDU-RVA event)
3 sites to help in your job search: the social media 'power trio'
8 tips for creating a social networking plan for your job search
Do you need a social media champion?
Using Twitter for career networking
Nonprofits embracing social media for fund raising
Are you using a blog to build your brand and build your business?
Best practices tip: post high value messages to build your brand
The Legal of Social (SMCRVA - Feb 2010 review)
LinkedIn groups – are you building relationships for job networking?
Professional networking with Facebook
Are you using the power of a Google profile to promote your brand?
Using social media to help Haiti earthquake victims - Together we can make a difference!
Are Twitter lists the new #FollowFriday? Are you using Twitter lists to monitor your brand?
New Hootsuite & Tweetdeck features, Facebook - News Feed / Live Feed defined

More social media news, views, tools, & tips: Richmond Social Media Examiner