While the general overall advice is very sound (I checked with those who speak on such things) and I agree with the points, I am imagining my [insert family member] hopping on Twitter much like they did Facebook and leaving out certain crucial steps.
Such as forgetting the entire purpose is to build relationships and communities with other people, not to constantly push your job search without interaction. Besides, if you are not interesting and interactive, no one will follow you. If no one is following you, no one knows you are looking for a job.
Moreover, just because you know someone in real life, does not mean you need to comment on every little thing they tweet. I was never so happy as when Facebook invented the like button so certain relatives could just click like instead of typing an irrelevant message on my wall.
My favorite point in the article is: “If all you can offer is a retweet of other people’s messages, then you probably don’t need to be on Twitter.” That to me, means have a viewpoint. Have opinions. Have ideas. Find things that interest you and share them. Engage in conversations with others about those subjects.
To me, Twitter is about sharing. It gives me a place to share and learn about topics I might not explore otherwise and gain greater knowledge on topics I am already knowledgeable about it.
I have met people I never would have without Twitter. Many of whom I view as mentors and friends. Just like I wouldn’t have a one-sided conversation with a friend over dinner, I don’t want to have a one-sided conversation with someone on Twitter.
As for the Twitter haters, I’m over them. There will always be people unwilling to embrace a new technological tool. I didn’t see the value until I started using Twitter personally. I try to share why I find Twitter valuable, but there are some people who just refuse to understand or accept that it works for me. I’ve decided that’s ok.
Great to get the conversation started!
Twitter is about sharing information, but it can also be a strategic tool as well (as you well know).
I’m a proponent of using Twitter to help in finding a job. It worked for me. BUT, you need it not to be the only thing. The part you talk about probably should have been clarified. Serial retweeters, to me, don’t actively contribute to your job hunt. However, a prospective employer may retweet a terrific blog or article that is relevant to their industry. That is value.
The moral to my comment: Think about how social media (Twitter) can be a cog in your well-oiled, job hunting machine!
Jason,
As always, I appreciate your comments. I am afraid people without a real grip on what Twitter already is (a conversation), may try to force it to become something it isn’t (the newest way to land a job). I think by following your suggestions and making sure what you tweet, retweet and the conversation you engage in all have value, you can find an opportunity you might have over looked otherwise.
A wholeheartedly agree, when used correctly, Twitter can be a tool in a job hunt in addition to more traditional networking and applications.
-Aurora
I view Twitter as somewhat of an online workplace watercooler. I use it to find new perspectives on old topics. Or old perspectives on new topics (i.e. what do people I trust have to say about this). Bottom line is that Twitter, if used correctly, can be a benefit to anyone who uses it. The trick is using it correctly. I can say I used it incorrectly until I unprotected my tweets and started meeting people, but didn’t really get into the swing of things until I began participating in the PR community on Twitter. This is NOT Facebook, and newbies hoping to tap into the power of Twitter must understand that.
Matt,
I couldn’t (and obviously didn’t!) say it better myself!
-Aurora