Rita Ashley, Career Coach. Field tested advice for executives.

THE DIGITAL JOB SEARCH- e.g.Twitter and Facebook

So many social networking sites, so little time.  The perennial question is, how do candidates leverage the sites for job search?  Apparently, relying on the kindness of strangers pays off with introductions, advice and even links to active jobs.

While many people perpetuate the notion that jobs are landed using Twitter and Facebook, and they no doubt have, the key to making it work is not the message “Anyone need a marketing director?” but who is in your network.

Most networking sites (though strangely, not LinkedIn) allow users to create a network of strangers.  Once you crack the code for inviting the right people to join your network, the sites are another job search asset.  Attracting followers appears to be somewhat random until a search renders all the “How To…” information.

Treat your Twitter or Facebook profiles as you would any other networking site.  Select a username that reflects your professional identity.  Mine, for instance, is “thejobcoach.”   If you want to increase your Twitter subscriber base, you must get web traffic to your profile. The more targeted the traffic, the better.  Be aware, when you use your employer’s computer, they may read/own your social networking effort.

Use marketing strategies, as you would promote a website. Think in terms of incentives. Why would someone want to follow me on Twitter? Assuming that someone doesn’t know who I am, what would motivate him or her to subscribe to my Twitter profile?

1. Include links to your profile in email/forum signatures.
2. Promote Twitter on your blog/other blogs and include a link to your profile.
3. Connect your blog and other social media profiles to your Twitter page.
4. Contact Twitter influencers with articles relevant to their interest
5. Follow targeted members you selected because of their profile

Before you get rolling, learn from other’s mistakes.

There are many Twitter tools available on-line to help you find new followers: Twitter Search and Twitter’s Find People tool or, manually review profiles and use Twubble to help you find new people to follow. Use directories such as Twellow, a tool to find those who tweet about the things that you want to target. TwitDir. Grow your network purposefully to include people who are likely to follow you.  Your profile and engaging “Tweets” can be seductive to prospective followers.  Twollow and the Facebook group “Twitter… You follow me… I follow you” also generate possible followers.  Combine Twollow with Tweetlater for an automated follower adding machine.  The list will continue to grow with the popularity of Twitter.

John Cook of TechFlash gives a terrific overview of twitter for job search.  Also subscribe to JobMob’s twitter guide.  Jacob Share has written a comprehensive book on using twitter for job search.

Another useful tool is a twitter monitor, it lets you “monitter” the twitter world for a set of 3 keywords and watch what people are saying.   You will know if someone is looking for a director of marketing, and you use those key words.  Think of it as your Twitter “alert” tool.

Don’t use Twitter just to broadcast a message; monitor followers in return or engage them in conversation. Don’t use Twitter solely to drive traffic to your blog or promote your job search.  Use the “Palm Up” method and extend yourself to others with information, humor and assistance where possible.

Adding Facebook friends is straightforward.  Upload your email list and invite your connections to join you.  Or hand select people you’d like to have on your network.  Once they sign up, you can make friends with any of their friends, and on and on.  Select those people who may help in your search.

Now that you have all these connections, you have to actually maintain your own presence and read their entries.  Promote your self with advice, shared links and in interesting commentary and pictures.  Don’t be shy about asking for what you need:  “Anyone know someone in the TV business who hires marketing execs?” or “I am moving to Dallas, I need a realtor,” or “Agile and SaaS guru looking for Director of New Products gig.”

Mind your digital manners.  Remember, any prospective employer can read what you write.  Be judicious in your religious and political comments to avoid offending.

INSIDER’S GUIDE

• It’s not the message so much as it is the members of your network
• Be professional
• Give back
• Don’t create digital dirt

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Did you find this information useful?  Want to revitalize your job search?  Download your copy of JOB SEARCH DEBUGGED The Insider’s Guide to Job Search For Executives and Technology Professionals

If you would like support creating your own compelling and expeditious job search, contact me at coach at jobsearchdebugged dot com.  We can focus on your specific challenges and define a custom program.

My clients get hired; not brag–fact..Perhaps you feel a proven book with field tested techniques is your first step toward an effective job search.  You can download Job Search Debuggedfor advice that works.

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