Looking for your next job? Want to move ahead in your career?

Then you better be careful what you Tweet.

Need convincing?

• 93% of recruiters check candidates’ social media accounts pre-interview.¹
• 43% of employers said they found something on social media that made them “deep-six” a candidate.²
• Search the internet. You’ll find hundreds of nationally publicized cases where employees lost their jobs because of inappropriate social media usage.

Twitter is a powerful (and underutilized) tool for career success – but only when used responsibly. Whether you’re on the job hunt or trying to move up the ladder within your existing organization, use these tips from Exact Staff for smart tweeting.

On the Job Hunt

Create a professional account that accurately reflects your personal brand. If you want to find a job with Twitter, get serious about how you use it:

• Choose a professional picture and username that stays consistent with your other social media profiles.
• Include a personal-branding statement that clearly explains your value to potential employers.
• Skip the impetuous tweets. Consider how every message may impact your employability.

Build your audience. Twitter allows you to import contacts from most webmail programs, or you can use the built-in search engine to find contacts. Move beyond your existing network by searching industry leaders, influencers and prospective employers. Follow them and interact by tweeting them directly or retweeting what they share.

Let people know you’re looking. Without appearing desperate, that is. Your goal is to build your brand and demonstrate your expertise, while simultaneously communicating the types of employment opportunities you’re looking for.

While Currently Employed

Think like your employer. Like it or not, your managers may exercise their right to monitor how employees use social media – scrutinizing your tweets, posts, pins and more. Remember that your tweets are easily searchable.

Exercise restraint. Had a rough day at work? Frustrated with your boss? Resist the temptation to blast that information on social media. Although Twitter is a laid-back, spur-of-the-moment platform, airing your grievances on it can damage your personal brand and jeopardize your employment. If you’re having difficulties at work, talk to human resources or deal directly with your source of frustration.

Never respond to job tweets directly. If you come across a promising job through Twitter, use an alternate route for contacting the employer. For example, consider setting up a Gmail account specifically for this purpose.

The bottom line? When it comes to managing your career, use common sense. If you don’t want your boss or prospective employer to read it, don’t tweet it!

Need help with your job search strategy?

Contact an Exact Staff Career Agent. We can help you identify your strengths, evaluate your career options, and find assignments and full-time positions that align with your goals.