In the online world of social networking, Twitter is basking in popularity at the moment. Twitter is a micro-blogging platform: while many people and companies offer blogs (like this one) with posts that may range from 300 to 500 words or more, Twitter limits posts to 140 characters.

 

The introductory paragraph above, by the way, is 284 characters, which gives you an idea of how much you can put in a 140-character blog entry: not a lot. So how does this micro-blogging concept work? 

The idea is that you answer one simple question – what are you doing now? You can write messages like “Working on a relocation project” (31 characters) or “Drafting my résumé!” (19 characters). In practice, many users use their tweets – the name for Twitter posts – to communicate with other Twitter users in a virtual conversation about a topic of interest. Tweets can also be used to pose questions to followers, such as “Anyone have great articles on conducting a job search to share?” (65 characters).

 

On Twitter, you can follow other users, which means you can view their tweets as they post them. Twitter users can post entries online, through downloadable applications, from select chat clients like Google Talk, and via cell phone SMS text messaging. As a social tool, Twitter is a great way to connect with friends, family, or even other professionals. But does it have useful applications in the workplace and the job search or professional development?

 

Many people would say yes to both questions. Twitter is a great way to connect with colleagues, stay in touch with friends, and network with other professionals for information specific to your industry (for instance, as a way to ask others about their experiences with certain vendors). International Association of Business Communicators chair Barbara Gibson offers tips on using Twitter and expanding your network on her blog, starting with her Twitter Tips for Newbies post and continuing to her Advanced Twitter – The Conversation post.

 

So what about Twitter and the job search? If you’re on the market and don’t have an existing Twitter network, then you can add it as one additional element of your overall search strategy. A key element to remember, however, is that online social networking is just like in-person networking in the fact that it takes time to build a network and the most successful networkers give as much as they get.

 

Just as with a traditional network, there are several ways your Twitter network can be useful in the job search. First, you may hear about job openings through others that you follow on Twitter. In addition, some companies have a Twitter presence and post job openings through Twitter in addition to traditional channels. To find out if a specific company is on Twitter, simply search Twitter by the company name. Even if the company doesn’t post job openings specifically, you can follow company news from Twitter that can later be used in a cover letter or interview.

 

TwitHire is a site that specifically offers job postings via Twitter. Companies posting information give title and location; a click on the tweet will lead you to the company’s original posting on their website, which allows you to bypass major job board application forms that may be inundated by other applicants.

 

On a personal level, Twitter can also be an effective accountability system. You can use it to track your job search activities and progress – although being prudent about what you tweet is always something to keep in mind. Remember that just as you are following companies and other professionals who may be hiring, those people may also be following you. Consider the professional image you are creating through your Twitter activity. That’s not to say you must be strictly professional and never personal with your Twitter identity, but think before you tweet. For more on the varied possibilities for Twitter, check out the recent New York Times column, Twitter – It’s What You Make It.