Tweeps Help Local Jobseekers Practice Interviewing, Give Resume Tips & Talk Company Culture

Over the course of two events in October and November (#TwitterForGood Days), more than 30 TechSF clients benefitted from real-time interviewing practice and resume review from Twitter employees.

Since its launch in 2012, TechSF, the city-wide program run by the Bay Area Video Coalition (@BAVC) to expand opportunities to unemployed and underemployed residents in the tech industry, has helped over 1,250 local job seekers find jobs in tech and digital media roles. Clients received both technical training to “skill-up” in the latest apps and in-demand skills, as well as one-on-one career coaching and job readiness coaching.

While the technical training is useful, most clients attribute their success in landing the job to the rigor with which the TechSF career coaching helps their professional toolkit progress to the next level of competence - the competitive level.

The “real-world” interview practice and resume review at Twitter represents a the high point of the program. It offers clients the opportunity for the participants to become job-search ready and to practice the key skills required to secure a job in the tech sector.

“I felt the Twitter experience was a valuable one indeed,” reflected participant Sam Frank. “The shotgun interviews were the most valuable to me. I got to look someone in the face, and to see how they responded d to my passion and enthusiasm. This is super helpful for confidence building and I was provided with some constructive advice on the spot to improve my communications style.”

Following the practice sessions, the clients and volunteers talked candidly about the company culture, specific roles within the organization, and the global impact of Twitter, particularly in empowering users to express themselves online.

“What really struck me was the dedication that each Twitter employee seemed to share,” observed Lisa B. “Regardless of their individual title and responsibilities at the company,” she continued, “every employee was passionate that they were making a difference by working at Twitter, and had internal motivation to be there. It was also really awesome to learn more about Twitter’s community involvement efforts, and the level of organization that goes into their outreach strategies in San Francisco.

Twitter volunteers were energized and thrilled to share their insight and experiences with BAVC participants. Volunteering allows Twitter employees to connect with each other and the community, and we received a lot of positive feedback from the volunteers in addition to the participants.

Some of the key takeaways TechSF clients gleaned from the Tweeps about what makes someone stand out in the interview process:

• Show don’t tell; be specific about how your past experiences make you a great candidate
• Twitter has circus performers and astronauts among their staff; bring your unique self to the table
• Ask the common questions, but ask them well. Instead of saying, “What’s the culture like?” ask, “What do YOU like about working here?”
• Demonstrate knowledge of and passion for the product. Even if you’re not an engineer, your opinion of our product matters - so voice it!
• Research the company; take a look at the FAQ pages and customer support groups to see how the company responds and communicates to its target market
• Remember that the interview process is a two-way street—is the company worthy of your contributions? Does this prospect of working there excite you?

Following the #TwitterForGood event group lunch, TechSF clients, BAVC staff and Twitter volunteers teamed up to make sandwiches for local homeless shelters. Thank you, Twitter for an inspiring program of community-focused events.