Twitter is a micro-blogging service that enables people to read each other’s posts (known as ‘tweets’) in the form of 140 character updates. It was created in 2006, and in February 2009 Nielson.com ranked Twitter as the fastest growing site with 1382% growth – a lot of that growth happening towards the end of 2008. Not surprising, given the economic downturn and upsurge in the number of people embracing social media and social networking. 

Despite the sudden growth of Tweeple (people who tweet and are twitters), Nielson.com reports that 60% of Twitter users quit within the first month. Why? My guess is because they never should have been there in the first place. If you are thinking about using Twitter as part of your job search or career management strategy, here is what you need to know:

The object of Twitter is to increase your visibility by acquiring followers (people who read your tweets). People will follow you if you have interesting information to share. This means posting helpful links, facts, quotes, and other data. The onus is on you to give first. Continually updating your status (i.e. is searching for XYZ opportunities, is working on her resume, is going to a networking event, etc) will not net you the results you’re seeking. Save those updates for Facebook and LinkedIn.

Twitter requires a larger investment of time and energy than other social networking sites. You have to research to find relevant and interesting things to share, and be committed to tweeting on a regular and consistent basis. Even on a busy day, you should aim to tweet at least three times (minimum) throughout the day if you want to solidify your reputation as a subject matter expert and increase your follower base. If you are more interested in following than being followed, an investment of time is still required to read tweets posted by others.

Unless you’re famous (or infamous), the chances of someone randomly searching for, finding, and following you are slim-to-nil. You need to create a buzz around yourself and your tweets by letting people know you’re on Twitter and by tweeting about issues and ideas your target audience will find interesting. Pete Cashmore (Mashable) and Dan Schawbel (danschawbel) have done a great job of this.

Twitter is a wonderful tool for keeping you on the cutting edge of the information highway, but it is worth thinking seriously about which lane you want to be in before you merge into traffic.