April 17, 2019
In Part 2 of our social etiquette series, learn the do’s and don’ts of Twitter.
In a world saturated with social media platforms, it can be confusing to remember all the rules of social etiquette. That’s where Cox can help.
Our social etiquette series can help you navigate the open (and confusing) roads of social platforms for networking. Professional presence can spark career advancements, job opportunities, thought leadership, and peer collaboration. But, when it comes to Twitter, one foul tweet and you could tarnish your professional character. So, what should (or shouldn’t) you be doing, sharing, and saying on this site?
Here are the (unspoken) do’s and don'ts of Twitter.
Don’t Over-Tweet
With Twitter, the limit does exist. If you have a lot of thoughts to share, spread them out over a few days. Like many other social platforms, Twitter is about being thoughtful - even when it comes to the frequency of your tweets. Consider this rule of thumb when tweeting others, too. Whether you’re reaching out to Mark Cuban or your neighbor, avoid badgering them with tweets and mentions. Consider a limit of one to two tweets until they respond. Prospective employers could see this as a red flag (not to mention, completely unprofessional).
Limit Self-Promotion
The beauty of Twitter lies in the ability to share thoughts and opinions on a global platform. The drawback is it can make you look egotistical if done too often. So, how do you strike the right balance? By expressing interest in others. Express praise and encouragement, ask questions, and retweet ideas that resonate with you. By doing so, others may reciprocate and show interest in you, too. Not to mention, you’ll break up your feed so visitors don’t see endless self-promotion on your page.
Create Your Voice
Much like an online portfolio, your tweets will tell the world who you are, what you’re passionate about, and how you act as a professional. For these reasons, you should be careful about your voice. Communicate about topics of which you’re passionate (business, technology, art, etc.), but beware of engaging in controversial subjects. Reach out to others in your field, but don’t be bothersome. Create your unique voice without veering from your true self. At the end of the day, remember that everything on the web is at risk of becoming public (even if your account is private). So, speak thoughtfully, respectfully, and professionally at all times.
Stay Up to Date
Just like you watch the news on live TV, you can read the news on Twitter. With thousands of tweets posted every second, it’s the best platform for staying current - which is why it’s so beneficial when looking at prospective companies. Following company accounts can keep you in the loop with all things business. That interview you have next week? Meet confidently by familiarizing yourself with company-specific news and thinking about how you plan to be a part of their initiatives. Keeping up to date with industry news can be helpful, too. Not only does it demonstrate awareness, but it can also help you excel in your current job.
Be Conversational
Sure, there are limits to how many times you should reach out before someone responds. But, communicating with prospective employers and industry-leading professionals could present opportunities down the road. Like many social platforms, Twitter can better help you network with others in your field. Regularly engaging in thought-provoking conversations on Twitter can help put your name into the world (and a good one at that).
Ready to take your career to the next level? With these tips in your pocket, you can navigate the world of Twitter confidently and network your way to the next, big opportunity.
