When searching for your next position, Twitter can be an invaluable tool –providing you use it effectively. Don’t be a nit-twit (a clueless Twitter time-waster). Instead, consider these five simple tips for using Twitter to land your next job.

1. Keep it professional.
You’re using your Twitter account for your job search, so avoid tweeting anything you wouldn’t want an employer to know (Beat the record for most tequila shots at Mexicali Joe’s!) or that an employer wouldn’t be interested in (Just got the greatest deal ever on cat food at Costco!). You can chat with your friends using some other method, at least until you’ve landed your next job.

2. Keep it targeted.
One could easily spend all day on Twitter and get nothing else done. If you want to make the most of limited time, follow people and topics of relevance to your job search and temporarily drop the rest. While Conan O’Brien writes hilarious tweets, following him will do nothing to help you land your next job. Follow recruiters, hiring managers at companies of interest, and top-notch professionals in your industry.

3. Add some value.
Taking without giving is never the best approach, even in a job search. Remember that it’s not all about you. Respond to other job seekers’ tweets if you have the insight to share. Retweet information they may find helpful. Try to give as much as you take. This practice will help you come across as intelligent, conscientious, and well-balanced –all traits of value in the workplace. In a rather selfish world, those in a position to recruit you may notice.

4. Make a connection.
If you’ve chosen to follow someone in your industry, such as a CEO, hiring manager, or another executive, they may reciprocate and follow you as well. While it is fine to retweet them to show you are listening, your ultimate goal is to make a more meaningful connection. Rather than a straight retweet, try a retweet and a comment to share what you learned from their message. If the tweet was related to one of the professional’s blog posts, you can leave a longer comment there as well and create a more lasting impression.

5. Don’t rely on Twitter alone.
A multi-pronged approach is always best. Use Twitter in conjunction with LinkedIn, your blog or website, job boards, and face-to-face networking to connect with the companies you want to work for and the people who can help you get your foot in the door. For best results, keep your photo, bio, and profile information consistent (and businesslike) across all platforms. This is the first step to creating your own memorable “brand.”

Twitter is fun, and fluid and can give you access to professionals in your industry you would otherwise never meet. Use it effectively to build career connections and you’ll be 140 characters closer to landing your next job.