How Twitter Helped Me Land A Job

by Miguel Wickert

in Communication,social media

Twitter is changing the way we search, network and solve some of our life situations. It has become arguably one of greatest social media resources most can easily access.

For some, this isn’t news. While others still don’t find a need or purpose for Twitter.  I’m sure we read rant after rant about Twitter’s fame and potential downfall. Let’s turn to my story. I hope is that this experience will encourage those seeking and challenge those who remain skeptical.

During the year, I read plenty of articles and blog posts about how we SHOULD use Twitter. At least for me, my use of Twitter still didn’t spill over into my life offline. But maybe like you, I heard countless success stories.

Wanting to land a part-time job before the Christmas season, I turned to job search boards. This led me to filling out online job applications. After doing everything possible on these sites, I waited a month and still heard nothing.

Eventually, I called a HR recruiter line, left two messages and still nothing. I’m sure many of you know the feeling. Not fun. But I (you) didn’t give up.

What other avenues or resources did I have? Twitter. I started job searches on Twitter. Then I discovered the employer operated a Twitter account. Yes, now to connect. But what could I say? Would this really matter?

All else failed: online applications, calling, leaving multiple messages. Hey, what the heck! Why not? I send a DM or Reply asking for help. The individual offers to connect via email. And shows a willingness to help. I wasn’t surprised but I thought, who is this person and will they really make a difference?

After exchanging a few emails and so on, I’m told to expect a call. This person, who I connected with via Twitter, forwarded my info to human resources! This occurred on a Friday, if I remember correctly. I received the call the following Monday! I expressed my interests in the position and recounted my journey prior to the phone call.

Everything seemed to go over smoothly. They called back on Tuesday and before the conversion was over, they asked for an interview on the upcoming Thursday. Done.

We meet Thursday, I interviewed with two individuals. The second, was the head of the desired job position, and this person offered me job before the end of our interview!

Simply put: without Twitter this seemingly wasn’t possible.

The takeaways:

  • Search Twitter for answers, help and potential contacts.
  • You never realize who is on the other end of that Twitter account.
  • When tradition means fail, don’t be afraid to embrace new methods.
  • Allow Twitter to overlap with your life offline.
  • Learn to effectively use social media
Before I forget, guess who the other person was at the other end of the Twitter exchange? :)

Related posts:

  1. Why I Use WordPress? Discovering WordPress almost two years ago has reaped all sorts...
  2. Google Wave: Three Searches Worth Noting I received a wave invite when the first 100,000 went....

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Ardiawan.com January 15, 2010 at 1:58 am

Nice, I using twitter as social media and internet marketing

Current score: 0

Reply

2 Miguel Wickert January 21, 2010 at 7:53 am

Ardiawan,

Yeah, how recent challenges have you faced in your marketing campaigns?
Thanks for visiting and commenting,

-Mig

Current score: 0

Reply

3 Ching Ya January 20, 2010 at 3:29 am

Wow, that’s fantastic Miguel! Congrats on landing the job you desired. I’m so happy for you. What an interesting success story using Twitter and amazing to actually see how the companies are really emphasizing Twitter users nowadays, even over phone calls. A little shocking, really. :)

It’s a good thing you decide to reach out to them in Twitter instead. You just gave me an idea: in future if I’m going to contact a company with multiple social media sites, I’ll check which method will reach them faster.

@wchingya
Social/Blogging Tracker

Current score: 0

Reply

4 Miguel Wickert January 21, 2010 at 7:59 am

Ching Ya,

Thanks! Yes, Companies and the like, are turning to Twitter to better connect with their customers and so forth. You never know who might be on the other end of that Twitter account! Yeah, when phone calls and online applications fail, Twitter and other new media platforms are stepping in. Yes, try it for yourself- it’s worth the shot! Cheers!

-Mig

Current score: 0

Reply

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv Enabled