Twitter Apps For Your Job Search

Just when I thought I knew how to use Twitter for my job hunt, I find there are more ways to tweet while searching.

I found another good post from Tawny Labrum, key contributor to the AskBINC Blog: "15 Twitter Applications For Your Job Search."

Labrum says, "With the right tools Twitter can become a never-ending source of information to assist you along your way." There are hundreds of applications you could use, but I suggest you start with Labrum's 15 she finds most interesting.

Labrum also suggests following these Twitter Users specializing in job postings:

• @JobAngels – Helping the unemployed find jobs
• @indeed - One search. All jobs.
• @jobshouts – General job postings
• @simplyhired - Job search site
• @StartUpHire – Jobs at VC backed companies
• @twithire - Job board service

Tap into Twitter's power!

My Job Search Recipe

I've been job searching for a few months now. I read a lot of online advice. I'm on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. I have this blog and others.

The key message I'm hearing is that job searchers need to shift the way they have been traditionally looking for work. The job sites, such as Monster.com and CareerBuilders, are black holes for resumes. The focus is online networking and searching people.

Based on what I've learned and experienced so far, I've developed my own recipe for job searching. My ingredients are based on searching for Marketing Manager positions.

Here's my recipe for job searching:

• LinkedIn - (1) I keep my profile up to date, search for new connections that I know, and request for recommendations when appropriate. (2) I only apply for jobs on LinkedIn and through LinkedIn if there is a way to connect with someone in the company - get an introduction - and there usually is. If I can't find a connection to introduce me, I go straight to the company's website. Though I don't know for sure, I'm guessing that there are fewer resume submission from a company's website than on LinkedIn.
• craigslist - I've had success with getting interviews from jobs listed on craigslist, so I'll continue to search and apply. When I find an opportunity, I go straight to LinkedIn to look up the company and see if I can make a connection with someone.
• Twitter - The objective is to build a network of followers and followings. I follow people who tweet about things I find helpful. I tweet and re-tweet about things I hope people who follow me find helpful. By doing so, more people are following me which builds an extensive network for me to tap into while gaining valuable information.
• Competition - I have identified the competitors of the last company I worked for. I am in the process of finding out the names of the Marketing Directors/Managers. Then I will research the names on LinkedIn in hopes of finding a connection. I will tailor a cover letter for each person and send it along with my resume via mail. Whether or not these companies have a job opening, I'm hoping they will be impressed with my resume and approach.
• Traditional Networking - Not everyone is on a social networking site, so I sent mass emails out to my address book contacts. I divided my contacts in subgroups: family, friends, all others. I used an affordable (.02-.05 each) and easy online email service called VerticalResponse which allowed me to personalize each email and get real-time results.

Like any recipe, you make changes based on your personal taste.

What's your winning recipe?

7 Social Media Secrets To Get a Job

Another great article by Dan Schawbel, "7 Secrets to Getting Your Next Job Using Social Media."

This one has some new ideas - at least to me - I thought were great. Schawbel not only has helpful ideas, but provides specific steps and examples to help you get started.

Schawbel's 7 secrets are revealed:

1. Conduct a people search instead of a job search.
2. Use attraction-based marketing to get job offers.
3. Be proactive on Twitter.
4. Capitalize on LinkedIn.
5. Advertise your brand using AdWords and Facebook social ads.
6. Construct a video resume and upload it to YouTube.
7. Subscribe to blogs that have job listings.

I found secrets 5, 6 and 7 most interesting, but I don't think I'm ready for a debut on YouTube quite yet.

If you have other secrets you want to share, please comment.

Basic Tools

Remember the saying "It's not what you know, it's who you know." It was all about networking.

And more so today, but it's a lot easier and better with the social networking tools available.

Here are the 3 basic networks that can help in your job search AND you might also have some fun:

LinkedIn - is a professional network where you can create a profile which often looks like your resume. The great things about LinkedIn are (1) you can ask people to "endorse" you which is a recommendation; something valuable when searching for a job, (2) you can find former colleagues, get linked and then ask them for a recommendation, (3) you can join groups which give you an extended network, (4) you can search for job openings and apply online; (5) you can ask people in your network to help you with an introduction to the hiring manager of a job you've applied for, and (6) you can receive emails from a potential employer about a job through LinkedIn.

Facebook - is a social network used to keep up with friends, upload photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people you meet. And just like the olden days, you can let all your friends, family, and associates know that you're looking for a job.

Twitter - is a social network and referred to as a mini-blog. You can post short comments and you can "follow" others to be able to read their short comments. Another way to ask for help and advice on the job search.

Please leave a comment if you have additional advice or comments on these websites.