Twitter, like blogs, is fast becoming an effective tool, for jobseekers willing to take the next step in their integration into social media, as a job search strategy. Consider the testimonial provided by David Murray in David Meerman Scott’s eye opening article “How David Murray found a new job via Twitter.”

The Scenario

David Murray was laid off from his job. He immediately jumped into the traditional job search strategy of completing a resume, calling people, and networking. David quickly realized he would have to utilize Web 2.0 tools in order to stand apart from his job seeking competion

The Strategy

Twitter Public Announcement: Dave decided to reach out on Twitter, @DaveMurr, in order to publicly announce he was looking for work. As Dave explained, in Scott’s article:

“I guess you could say I used a new tool for old school networking. . . The response was overwhelming and I received several leads and opportunities that were far more fruitful than my previous attempts.”

How Did He Do That?

Twitter Search: Dave gives social media star Chris Brogan credit for his Twitter search strategy. Brogan outlined his strategy of utilizing RSS feeds aka Really Simple Syndication as a method to keep up with his thousands of followers.

Dave’s Search Strategy:

1. Enter Keywords into Twitter’s Search that match the company, industry, niche, or community you are targeting. Examples of Dave’s search keywords included: “Hiring Social Media”, “Social Media Jobs”, “Online Community Manager”, and “Blogging Jobs.”

2. RSS Feeds are available for every keyword “conversation” on Twitter. Dave simply clicked on the RSS chicklet next to the search box of the information he wanted to track.

3. Google Reader is a tool that allows you to aggregate information, via RSS feeds, into one spot so that you can read what is important to you. It’s like creating your own newspaper or library.

Dave simply ” pulled the RSS feeds of these keyword conversations into Google Reader and made it a habit to check these first thing in the morning everyday.”

Next Step

Introduce Yourself is as easy as following and reading conversations. If something sounded like a good fit for Dave, he took the initiative to introduce himself via Twitter.

1. Hidden Job Market: According to Dave, “Many times when inquiring about the open positions, the jobs had not been officially posted.” And more pointedly, “How cool that on Twitter you can express interest in a job opportunity that hasn’t even been announced yet? It’s like inside information.”

The Results: Dave’s New Job

Dave is happily employed as Assistant Webmaster, Client Services for The Bivings Group. Davide Meerman Scott’s best quote came from Heather Huhman Entry Level Careers pages for Examiner.com:

“The Internet is changing just about everything – the internship/entry-level job search included. Gone are the days of printing out your cover letter and resume on ’special’ paper, sticking both in an envelope and mailing the application package off. We are officially in the Job Search 2.0 era.”

Being in between jobs doesn’t have to be experienced like the kiss of death. I know that it is natural to feel very vulnerable, yet that is what being in transition is all about. It’s the very point that you are temporarily unattached to a job that provides you with a rare freedom to ask yourself what you really want from your next adventure.

Key questions to ask yourself in between jobs:

1. How soon do you really have to land a job?

Can you afford some time to step back and evaluate what you really want from your career while you have the freedom and time to prepare yourself for it? Sure, it’s no fun watching your life savings take a downward climb, but is your time here really about the money?

Are you at a point in your life where you can afford to spend some time being selective about your next step or preparing yourself for a new path? Think of your career choices now as investments in your quality of life.

2: Would the jobs you are now searching for be top choices if you were just starting out?

You spend a majority of your waking hours at your job. Consider it like you would a romantic relationship. Are you willing to settle for second best just to be committed?

3: Is it possible to support yourself financially doing what you love?

Make a list of all the different ways you can generate income by doing what you love. Your financial support does not have to come from one income stream. Maybe one single role can’t generate enough money, but adding other roles that express your passions might make the necessary difference.

4. Are credentials getting in your way of going for jobs you really want?

Ask yourself if you are truly lacking what is necessary, or if credentials are a convenient excuse to protect you from risk or rejection. Research the kinds of credentials that others doing similar work have. If you don’t have what it takes, identify sources that can provide the appropriate credentials. Don’t make assumptions without checking the facts about the true requirements to do the work.

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