Twitter has become the darling of the social media landscape, but does it gain the seal of approval for professional networking that LinkedIn has received? Like a traditional job search, a social media approach to job searching requires a balanced approach of networking, researching and of course, interviewing. So where does Twitter fit in?

First of all, Twitter is not the Monster or CareerBuilder of 2009, where jobs magically appear in your inbox every morning. The power of Twitter is not in finding a position; it’s in the information you find and the contacts you make, which can make you an irresistible candidate to employers. Yes, there are Twitter’s out there that will provide links to job postings, but the chances of finding the right position and the right location through a global network such as Twitter is akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Like any part of the job search, Twitter takes work; it takes active participation. However, unlike traditional tools, the pay off in information and contacts is exponentially greater on Twitter. Its greatest feature is the ability to ‘follow’ industry experts and leaders. No other tool provides such an open forum to hear what’s on their mind, what they’re working on and what they’re interested in. This can be pivotal information when you’re networking or in an interview. A candidate that operates like an insider may have a higher chance of becoming one. Even if you’re a career shifter, following those inside the industry can provide you with the scoop you need to make the leap. Knowledge is power and for this Twitter is king.

A note of warning: Twitter is not for all industries. Like the traditional job search, you must know where your target audience is and go after them. But if your industry is twittering, then you should be too. Twitter is a powerful tool that can lead to great connections and great information.