How to Recruit on Twitter

Think Twitter is off limits to online recruiting? Think again. Retweeting, mentioning and hashtagging are all means of networking on this particular social network, and using these techniques of getting and staying in touch with your followers can help you find your next new hire.

You may be clueless as to how to get started, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to identify and start interacting with potential job candidates.

First, you must establish your own presence on Twitter. Recruiting on Twitter will yield few results if users see that you’re not engaged on this social media platform. Not to mention, when job candidates are conducting an online job search, they’re going to be attracted to companies that have a social media presence. Using Twitter says that you’re not only engaged with companies and businesses in your industry but in today’s general marketplace as well.

Second, you must begin engaging with other Twitter users, specifically those within your industry. Start by following companies and individuals that you know of in your industry. Monitor their behavior and interactions to identify those Twitter users that seem to stand out in their engagement on Twitter. To better keep track of these users, create “Lists” on the social network. You’ll be able to follow and dialogue easier with those professionals who are of interest to you and your company.

You can also find Twitter users inside and out of your industry by searching keywords on Twitter. For instance, if you’re an entrepreneurial software developer, you can find others on Twitter by conducting a simple search. Again, add these users to a list of key individuals and companies that you want to target in your online recruiting efforts.

Third, start using hashtags. If you’re attending a conference or webinar, live tweet the event along with other followers. This not only places you at the forefront of current events within your industry but in the same company with individuals and Twitter users who are just as hardworking and motivated when it comes to emerging practices and techniques. As a result, you’ll develop a following of hard core enthusiasts within the industry.

Also use hashtags for job openings, your city location or keywords like “resume” and “interview.” Twitter users conducting an online search for job opportunities will be directed to you through these hashtags.

You’ll soon find in using Twitter that it’s an open community of users that not only want to stay informed but stay in touch. It’s not unusual for relationships to start on Twitter and turn into real-life partnerships. Don’t be afraid to get involved, start dialogue and create relationships on Twitter. You’ll soon find that Twitter holds real value in the recruitment process.

How else can you recruit new hires via Twitter? Share now in our comments!