Hunting For a PR Job? Eight Twitter Tips For Success

Twitter is an invaluable tool for PR job hunters.

You can use Twitter to research; network; find new job openings often before they're published; establish or enhance your online identity and credibility; follow industry experts; and see what your potential employer's reputation is online.

Here are eight ways to use Twitter for PR job hunting success:

1. Research: use Twitter for a wide range of research including PR industry facts, news, job tips and trends.

2. Network: networking is a given. Identify thoughtful public relations leaders, local PRSA executives and follow them for insight. Reach out and ask for job suggestions once you have a rapport established. You'll be surprised at how helpful the Twitter community can be. But network carefully and selectively. Follow #PRSA and local chapters of PRSA, IABC, PRSSA.

3. Follow: identify and follow a variety of individual headhunters, recruiters, companies, HR specialists PR job specific boards. Organize them into a unique list for easy reference.

4. Newest PR job openings: often new PR jobs are posted on Twitter before running in the local newspaper, a company blog, or other social media channel. These days, some jobs are only posted on Twitter by company employees, insiders, friends or others. Follow #prjobs, #printern, #PRSA

5. Profile: carefully build your online profile. Construct your bio; watch what you tweet; post thoughtfully; and create a reputation as a helpful, informed and genuine person. I 've seen too many careless pictures and posts that would harm your chances to get hired if seen by a prospective employer.

6. Volunteer: offer to help with a campaign or online initiative to gain experience. Participate actively in online Twitter chats such as #prstudchat, #journchat, #pr20chat and others.

7. Localize: use Twitter to find hyper-local resources for your industry, city, specialty or network.

8. Be patient: take time to build longer-term relationships and to find the perfect PR job opportunity.

In my view, Twitter is one of the best tools for job hunting. Follow these eight tips and you'll be well on the road to finding the perfect PR or communications job.

Jeff Domansky, APR is Publisher and Editor, The PR Coach http://www.theprcoach.com a website with 6,000+ PR resources for PR professionals. He is former CEO of a successful west coast PR agency, a PR strategist, experienced crisis manager, PR coach, writer and blogger.