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.
2. Twitter for Lawyers & Law Job Seekers
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...
1. Setting up your profile 2. Avatar
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
OptimisingYour Profile – Points 2 - 6
below can be changed in your profile
settings (click the cog icon in the top right
of your profile)
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. Twitter for Lawyers & Law Job Seekers
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?
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.
3. Profile Background
4. Header Image
4. Twitter for Lawyers & Law Job Seekers
Use your real name (use the closest possible name or nickname for your handle if it is taken)
and specify your current location - it helps recruiters,colleagues and hiring managers find you.
5. Personal Details and Handle
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.”
6. Bio
5. Twitter for Lawyers & Law Job Seekers
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.
8. PromoteYourself
7. 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
Businesses providing legal professionals with various
services and products
Law students and professors
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)
6. Twitter for Lawyers & Law Job Seekers
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 sto-
ries 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.
Retweet and reply to their posts if you have
something interesting to say. Demonstrate
expertise and get on as many radars as pos-
sible, 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.
In order to categorise your followers and help you view specific types of content on Twitter,
create Twitter Lists e.g. one for recruiters, one for industry contacts, one for other firms; then
add the people you follow into the relevant list.This enables you to only view the tweets from
specific lists if you wish to.The people you add to lists will receive a notification that you have
added them to a list, so it can be a good way to build relationships e.g. by adding leading
recruiters to a ‘Top London Legal Recruiters’ list.
11. Twitter Lists
9. Show Passion & Interest 10. Engage with Peers,
Industry Leaders & Prospective
Employers
7. Twitter can be a great broadcast tool for businesses and practices which is why
it is such a great listening tool for individuals looking for their next legal role.
Just like with LinkedIn you need to put the best “you” out there so that when
the time comes, (believe us, recruiters and employers turn to social media for
information on candidates beyond their CV) you will stand out from the rest.
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contacts that may benefit.
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