It began with this article: HOW TO: Find a Job on Twitter, from Mashable.com. At the end of the post, the article lists multiple twitter accounts to follow if you need to find a job. I clicked the ones of interest to me, and as I was about to start clicking “follow,” I thought…Wait a minute… If this new account decides to follow me back, or if any other traffic should arrive as a result of starting to follow these accounts, do I really want my lame Twitter page to be their first impression?

So I googled “Twitter background templates” and found this free downloadable Twitter background PSD file from @chadengle of fuelyourcreativity.com. I edited it and wound up with the background currently seen on my twitter page. It’s still fairly simple, but it’s direct and looks better than before.

Finally, I felt confident to start following new accounts (listed here for your amusement). Then things got really fun. I’d begun using Hootsuite online recently at my current job and knew it would be a useful tool for this new endeavor. I didn’t realize how powerful the tool they’ve created is until I saw how it could help me in a job search. I created a list on which I could place only twitter accounts related to my job search in Dallas and Fort Worth. I created a column that only tracks the hashtag #tweetmyjobs. I created other columns that deliver real-time results for “Dallas jobs” and “Forth Worth jobs.” In perusing the results, I found @writerjobsdal, an account aimed directly at the type of job I’m looking for. I started to find interesting jobs almost immediately, but my eyelids could bear their burden no longer. I left the search until today, but knowing that I’d set in place useful tools for my search allowed me to sleep soundly.

Feel free to make recommendations of Twitter accounts, or share your own story if and how using online tools helped you get a job. Or, you know, offer me a job in DFW.

If you know me, I know what you’re thinking.

• Doesn’t he already have a job? Yes.
• Does he like his job? Again, yes.
• Does he like the people he works with? For sure.
• Do they like him? I think so.
• So why is he asking for my help?

In approximately two months I’ll be moving to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. As to the reason why, let’s just say my last few years suffered from a blue-screen-of-death and I need to CTRL-ALT-DEL my life. (I don’t think it’s coincidental that I also became a Mac convert during this time). And, fortunately, none of that was as a result of my current job. While I leave this church with a sad heart, I leave on good terms.

I currently do not have a job lined up. This is equally exciting and terrifying. This is also the reason for my request. While I plan to do my due diligence in finding a new position, I’m also humbly requesting your help. Ideally, I’m looking for a position working with words – proofing, editing, or writing – but if you know me at all you also know I have experience with graphic design and layout, videography, and some web work.

Feel free, at any time, to send me contacts you may have in the DFW area, or companies you know of that may be a good fit for someone like me. Use the contact tab on the left side of the page to email me. Alternatively, connect with me on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Finally, if this is the first you’ve read about this upcoming change, I apologize for not having told you sooner. Don’t take it personally. If you need to talk some sense in to me, you’re always welcome to buy lunch for me.