Twitter Time

Twitter Time!

Is it just me, or have trends in social networking become a little hard to follow? I think I finally understand how to use Linkedin for recruiting, but still need some work with Facebook. Well, we've appeared to move on again---as Twitter was recently confirmed as the fastest growing site on the web. Its going to be fun (and crazy) to see how this site progresses and is utilized by HR, Hiring Managers and Recruiters.

For those out there who haven't used the site, it is a social networking or microblogging address where members send very short messages (tweets) of 140 characters or less. People select to follow others to keep an eye on what they are doing.

While I'm just one recruiter with an opinion, (albeit a lot of energy) here are some things you can do to stay on the cutting edge when using Twitter.

Give people a reason to follow you-You need to find a reason that people other than family and friends would want to follow you. Consider tweeting about your industry or profession, or company. For hiring managers, listing open positions or recent promotions may be intriguing to passive candidates. In addition, keep in mind that as an Internet post, the tweet may be viewed by one person and forwarded to your ideal audience.

Advertise your twittering-After creating an account, consider posting your twitter address www.twitter.com/(username) on your email signature and adding the information to your business card. In addition to increasing exposure to your message, it may open up networking opportunities and puts a real person behind your name and title. (This isn't a bad idea for Linkedin either)

Keep an eye on the competition-As other competing businesses and hiring managers start to use Twitter, you don't have to be in the dark on what they're doing. By becoming their follower you stay up to date on their current openings and company news. Tweets may contain links to job descriptions that can help you craft your own.

Of course I need to plug my own twitter site: www.twitter.com/dsummerfield

Contest!!! Outstanding QPS "Green" Hard Cover Notebook

One more note about Twitter, in addition to evolving into a resource for recruiting---the site is fun! While hopefully it won't wear off---the ability to follow celebrities and stay in touch about latest and upcoming ventures is kind of a rush.

For the first person who correctly responds:

What celebrity boasts the most followers on Twitter?

Hint: His celebrity wife isn't far behind.

QPS has some leftover cool Green Hard Cover Notebooks and Pens that I've comendeered.

Thanks for reading! Hot Job List returns next week. Go Brewers!

Dave