Using Twitter

I've done a couple of presentations now on the use of Twitter as a job-searching tool, and in both cases, when I asked the groups about using Twitter, I got blank stares (ok, a few people blinked).

Twitter is a "micro-blog" tool/site on which you can network (the magic word for job hunters) with people at companies you have an interest in and actually search (like Google) for job openings. People usually tell me they just don't get it and don't see any use for something like Twitter. Of course I agree with them when someone tweets about waiting in a doctor's office or sitting on their couch.

A very mind-stretching article on the use of Twitter (and why it will grow in importance) is at http://zikkir.com/it/12274, "10 Ways Twitter Will Change American Business" by Renato Leon | 22 September 2009. I thought I was informed, and I was surprised by a comment in his blog entry:

"Outdoor ads are used almost everywhere in the world because of their simplicity and the relatively low cost of creating them. Current estimates are that global outdoor-advertising sales will be a $30 billion business this year. One of the great weaknesses of older ad media, like outdoor-billboard marketing and newspaper display, is that results have been nearly impossible to quantify effectively. Twitter will change that."

Think of the applications of "instant blogging:" instant feedback on TV shows, ads, anything!

Just had to share some good job news from a fellow blogger!

Job Opportunities: Where are They?

Rebecca Metschke is the author of The Interview Edge, a comprehensive guide for those who are serious about their careers. Visit http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com for free tips and strategies to gain a professional advantage.

Even in the midst of severe recession, there are always pockets of growth…some of which are substantial.   

First, a snapshot of two states (and one of these may be a surprise) – North Dakota and Texas:

North Dakota

Unemployment rate is 4.4% - 5 points lower than the national average and tied with Nebraska for the lowest in the nation. (That 4.4% is nearly 10 points lower than Michigan, which has the dubious distinction of leading all states in the numbers of unemployed.) 

Virtually all sectors are growing – from oil, mining and construction to health care and transportation. 

The state’s finances are in excellent shape; it’s one of the few posting a budget surplus. Property and income tax cuts (you read that correctly...tax CUTS) were approved this spring. 

Texas 

Boasts multiple metropolitan areas on the list of the nation’s top 20 for job growth (according to Forbes). 

Home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other state. 

Central Texas in particular is a good place to look. For example: Austin, home of the University of Texas, is adding jobs across multiple sectors, including (but not limited to) two that have stood up well generally throughout the recession: health services and education. Unemployment is creeping up, but education and tech companies are still in good shape. 

Now for the top three cities for job stability and growth (as compiled by Kiplinger):

Huntsville, AL – highlights include aerospace, life sciences, and businesses supporting the large military population at Redstone Arsenal.

Albuquerque, NM – highlights include high-tech, renewable energy, defense, and a burgeoning film industry.

Washington, DC – can you say public sector? Like it or not, Uncle Sam is growing at a seemingly uncontrollable rate – between the jobs themselves and the businesses supporting those government jobs, count on opportunities.

Don't Believe the Hype!

Is our economy challenged?  Yes.   Are we entering a second Great Depression?  Hardly.   If you listen to the local news media though, you'd think all hope is lost.

I just heard one of our local stations advertise tonight's installment of a series of stories they are running called "Survive in '09" (I have to wonder why they aren't encouraging to job seekers by calling their series "Thrive in '09").   Tonight's attention grabber was, "Let us show you who is actually hiring in North Texas."  The newswoman emphasized the "actually" as though there are few or no jobs to be had in a metropolitan area of 4 million people.

I have a friend from my previous job who was laid off a couple of weeks before I was, who recently told me that she was looking for work, but that there "just aren't any jobs out there."   Horse feathers.  I can't say for sure, but I think she may be listening to the local news hype. 

Several truths nullify the news stations' spin:  1) There are a lot of jobs being advertised (given that only 20-30% of jobs are actually ever advertised, there are many more than we even see), 2) our area is a major metropolitan area with several Fortune 500 companies headquartered here.  Are they challenged?  Sure.  Are they all shutting down?  Hardly.   But the #3 truth about job hunting is the most damaging to the news stations' dire soundings:  YOU ONLY NEED ONE JOB!   

My encouragement goes out to those who are out of work and haven't had much success in landing a new job.  I like to say that patience and persistence is what will pay off (along with a deep-seated faith in God in Christ).   A solid job-hunting strategy and marketing plan must be executed along with being patient and persistent.   My friend who said that there were no jobs also said that she was not spending at least 8 hours a day looking for a job.   This revelation makes me think that there are still plenty of people out there who aren't well-versed in modern job-hunting techniques.   (See Feb 23, 2009 post for more discussion on this.)

If all you do is hit the Internet looking for job openings, you may feel that there aren't many jobs (even though there really are quite a few).   If you deny that you are a product to be marketed, you will spend a long time unemployed.   If you continue to believe the hype of the news media, you will be allowing someone else to dictate the direction of your life and career.