Social media has really taken off over the last decade and now features in the lives of millions of people… or should we say billions?
Facebook – 1.65 billion monthly active users (March 31, 2016)
LinkedIn – 433 million users (April 28, 2016)
Twitter – 313 million monthly active users (March 31, 2016)
Social media has now evolved from being a simple way to connect with university friends, to a global giant that allows people across the world to stay in touch whether it be with friends and family or business connections and brands.
If you’re not using social media to enrich your professional life, then you’re missing a big trick!
LinkedIn is the key social player in the business world and is definitely the best place to start when cultivating your professional presence online. However, Twitter is also a great but often overlooked social platform that can also be extremely beneficial for your career.
Here are 4 ways Twitter can help your career:
1. You can network
On Twitter you can follow whoever you like and get involved in industry discussions. Twitter chats regularly take place on pretty much any topic you can think of, so find out when they are in your industry and pitch in.
If you’re participating in discussion and liking/retweeting content, key industry players will get to know who you are and you be soon become a big player yourself, which brings us onto our next point…
2. You can build your personal brand
By putting out great content – we’re talking current industry news and insights – you can build a personal brand that shows off your professionalism and expertise.
However, just posting 1 or 2 articles a day isn’t enough. Think about creating your own content and letting your followers know what you’re about. Share a photo of that event you’re attending and offer your thoughts on the articles you do share. Give your opinion on what other people share as well.
If your name only pops up once in a blue moon, people aren’t going to remember you. But if you’re popping up again and again and people like what they see, you’re instantly more recognisable.
3. You can develop your expertise
If you’re following the key movers and shakers in your industry, then you’re going to be one of the first to know about new trends and innovations. You can also learn a lot from those with more industry experience or specialist expertise.
Self-learning is an extremely valuable activity if you’re looking to progress your career and Twitter is awash with conversation and advice that can help you to hone your skills.
4. You can look for jobs
Twitter probably isn’t the first place that springs to mind when it comes to looking for a new job. However, there are plenty of Twitter accounts that pretty much act like job boards! Many businesses, recruitment companies and of course job boards themselves regularly post about their opportunities on Twitter. A quick search of what you’re looking for (e.g. sales jobs) can pull up some relevant accounts to follow.
If there are particular companies in your industry that you are interested in, do make sure that you are following them. This way, you’re more likely to be the first to know about any new opportunities!
Not only is Twitter a great place to find opportunities, but it can also provide you with plenty of great job search advice. Why not take a look at some of the accounts that we recommend job seekers follow.
So there you have it, Twitter can help your career in many ways but remember, it’s not going to happen overnight! Share great content, get involved with conversations and follow the right people and you never know where Twitter will take your career.
