complete guide to twitter for lawyers and law job seekers
TRANSCRIPT
Twitter has been used by Lawyers and legal professionals since its introduction for connecting with other like-minded professionals. However, job seekers are increasingly using the platform for connecting with and following firms and on the flip-side, recruiters are sourcing and screening candidates’ profiles.
In light of this, there are many things you can do to make yourself appear more employable to firms and recruiters on Twitter, and to seek out your perfect firm or role. This guide outlines the do’s and don’ts of Twitter for legal professionals...
Twitter for Lawyers and Law Job Seekers
Get Started on Twitter Setting up your profile
Avatar
Profile background
Header Image
Personal details and handle
Bio
Follow people
Promote yourself
Show passion and interest
Engage with peers, industry leaders & prospective employers
Twitter Lists
1. Setting up your profile
One of the first things you need to do is set up a
professional profile. If you are likely to be using Twitter
for personal use, it is recommended that a second
profile is set up for professional use (ideally under your
real name - not a pseudonym). Keep work and life
separate on Twitter where possible.
#Note: Check with current employers about their
social media policy if planning to Tweet about company
news/information
You can update your profile by clicking on the your
profile icon, next to the Tweet button.
Twitter for Lawyers and Law Job Seekers
2. Avatar
Use a professional looking avatar (profile image), do
not leave this out as many spammy/fake profiles
use the default ‘egg’ avatar. Be real.
3. Profile background
Change your profile background from the default background for the same reasons as above. Twitter gives
you several alternative options, or you can download a wallpaper from the internet. If you are creative, why
not make your own unique wallpaper?
Twitter for Lawyers and Law Job Seekers
4. Header Image
The header image is another image you will want to customise and is located behind your avatar/profile image. If you can get all 3 images to combine together well it shows creativity, attention to detail and professionalism.
Twitter for Lawyers and Law Job Seekers
5. Personal details and handle
Click on the profile icon in the upper right hand corner of your screen and select Settings from the drop-
down menu. Under settings you will be able to edit your name, bio, profile image, header and more.
Twitter for Lawyers and Law Job Seekers
6. Bio
Utilise the full 160 characters for your bio if possible. Use keywords, explain who you are and why you are
worthy of note. You can include #hashtags for keywords and links to supporting content or profiles if you
wish.
If you mention you are employed by a legal firm you may wish to state something along the lines of
“Opinions are my own.”
LinkedIn for Law Job SeekersTwitter for Lawyers and Law Job Seekers
LinkedIn for Law Job Seekers7. Follow people
One of the best ways to build up your following is to follow other interesting Twitter users and industry
thought leaders and frequently “Favourite” and” Retweet” their tweets. You can get on their radar by Direct
Messaging them with intriguing messages and alerting them to content they may find interesting. The types
of Twitter users that you may wish to follow include: Lawyers & law professionals (examples)
Law firms & legal practices
Business providing legal professionals with various services and products
Law students
Law professors
Legal bloggers, industry experts and thought leaders
Legal societies
Legal Recruiters (why not start with EJ Legal!)
Work colleagues (although you may wish to be wary if you are actively searching for a job
and interacting with other firms and recruiters)
Twitter for Lawyers and Law Job Seekers
8. Promote yourself
If you have a blog or website, or publish articles anywhere, be sure to include your Twitter link or handle
so people can easily find and follow you.
Twitter for Lawyers and Law Job Seekers
9. Show passion and interest
Interviews are designed, among other things, to gauge how passionate you are about working for the
company and within the industry. Pre-emptively express this passion by sharing relevant news, and posting
information and articles within your feed. Giving your own views on stories and news helps demonstrate a
strong, knowledgeable personality and keeps you up to date with the latest progressions and stories in the
industry. This will also keep you informed for any topical interview questions that might come up.
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10. Engage with peers, industry leaders & prospective employers
Retweet and reply to their posts if you have something interesting to say. Demonstrate expertise and get on
as many radars as possible, you never know what it could lead to. Engage with prominent legal groups such
as The Law Lounge and this may result in your tweets being retweeted by them to their large groups of
legal industry followers.
Follow us at www.twitter.com/ej_legal and let us help you find your next job.
11. Twitter Lists
Click on the profile icon drop down menu in the top right navigation bar or by going to your profile page and
clicking on Lists. Then Create list and enter the name of your list, a short description, and select if you want
the list to be private (only accessible to you) or public (anyone can subscribe to the list). Then Save list.
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