Help Wanted: From graduation to gainful employment

Amanda Hoffstrom

Do you want instant updates on the job market from career experts, online job boards or specific companies you hope to work for? My advice is to join Twitter and start following the people who will point you in the direction of your first job.

A few months ago, I was extremely skeptical of Twitter. I saw it as a Facebook status-like update with nothing more than people telling each other what they were doing all day. Why would I ever need to know that?

Then, my dad sent me a list of hot tips for a cool job market from the University of Michigan parent newsletter, and in it was a link to a list of 50 Twitter users to follow if you’re searching for a job. I took one look at the list and decided I would test it out.

Though I follow nearly all from the list, the five that I’ve found most helpful are:

1. Willy Franzen (@willyf), the founder of One Day, One Job – “the insider’s guide to unique and exciting entry level job and career opportunities for recent college graduates,” who also put together the list of top Twitter users to follow
2. Heather Huhman (@heatherhuhman), who almost always posts about internships or entry-level public relations positions
3. Lindsey Pollak (@lindseypollak), author of “Getting from College to Career”
4. Steven Rothberg (@stevenrothberg), the man behind CollegeRecruiter.com
5. Alison Doyle (@alisondoyle), author of “Internet Your Way To a New Job”

In this world of social media, Twitter offers a quick way to stay connected to leaders in your chosen profession. In my case, news organizations are just as important to follow as the career experts. I also follow companies I’m interested in working for, previous employers, journalism and media job boards, and yes, some friends.

I have found that once you start following someone, they often follow you back, and may respond to you if you post a question or solicit advice about looking for a job. If you follow the right people, you can also find job openings. I have applied to positions via Twitter’s job search engine and through links companies post on their account.

If you are skeptical of Twitter, try it. You might like it.