How to use Facebook and Twitter to search for a green job

You always think of LinkedIn as a logical first step when starting a job search – but what about using Facebook and Twitter to find the perfect green job?

There are distinct advantages to using social media instead of traditional (face-to-face) networking: you
can target groups very easily, your background information is easily accessible to those same people,
and you can follow up quickly and carry on a conversation at little cost.

With that in mind, here are a few tips for successfully using Twitter and Facebook as you look for your
next great green job:

1. Consider your privacy – what do you want to be available and visible to potential employers? If
appropriate, protect your Twitter updates or limit how people can find you on Facebook. Not everyone
needs to know about your growing love of illegal substances.

2. Set up your profile so that people can tell immediately what your expertise is. Show your human side, share trivia about yourself, and present something that others can connect with (hobbies, personal goals).

3. Some guidelines for Twitter:

• Find out if your future/target employer is on Twitter. Note this in your interview or pitch to that person/company – it’s evidence that you’ve done your research.
• Ask your followers for gut reactions to your resume or anything to which you need quick answers.
• Get familiar with Twitter’s search. Search for “green jobs” using the # (hashtags).
• Follow users who are specifically talking about green jobs like: @BayAreaGreenJob, @NYGreenJobs, @ChicagoGreenJob, @DCGreenJobs, @GreenJobsPDX, @DenverGreenJobs, @SeattleGreenJob, @LAGreenJobs, @BostonGreenJobs, @GreenJob, @GreenJobs, or @BrightGreen.

4. If you’re an advanced user, consider these thoughts from George Kao:

• Distributed Frequency: One update per weekday is better than 5 updates all in one day. One update every 6 hours is better than 4 updates in an hour.
• Multiple Approaches: Comment on people’s posts, be charming, and realize it’s all public.

5. Think of social media skills as an asset!
Experience building Facebook groups, apps, fan pages, or building a Twitter following is increasingly of value to companies – don’t forget that “Social Media Guru/Intern/Director/Manager” is a hot new job title.