Happy New Year!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season.  I certainly enjoyed my time with family and friends.  I also had some excellent “down” time to think about where Campus to Career is going to go in 2012.  You’ll see some very exciting partnership announcements in the coming weeks.  Stay tuned!

In 2011, Twitter really had a breakout year.  There was a lot of great stuff that Twitter helped us see and a lot of stuff that wasn’t really great (think about the Rep. Weiner scandal, etc.)  I think you already know by now that I’m a huge fan of the platform.  There’s so much you can do with it!  From brand-building to networking to crowdsourcing to inspiration, motivation and information, Twitter brings a lot to the table.  To dig a little deeper into that comment, I’ve found Twitter chats to be very beneficial for the job search.  It’s a real-time chat where YOU get to ask the questions and provide helpful insight for those that need it!  You’re going to notice the use of hashtags (it’s that little “#” symbol before a word) a LOT more in 2012.  Click here for a great article from CAREEREALISM on how to use hashtags to find a job.

Here are my FAVORITE #jobadvice chats:

#InternPro – Launched in December 2011 by YouTern, #InternPro is  the first of three new interactive media channels designed to enable you to enter the internship and working worlds with confidence, develop networking skills, secure mentoring relationships – and take charge of your career.  I participated in the first one and have to admit that it was one of the BEST, most informative and fun chats I’ve been on in a while!  When: Monday nights at 9:00pm Eastern!

#CareerChat:  @MyPath_MP and @Bizmebizgal host and moderator the popular hour long Career Chat.  It’s a great chat to join on your lunch hour.  Why not further your career while eating that sandwich?  When: Tuesdays at noon Eastern!

#HFChat: HireFriday helps job seekers at all phases of their career transition. HireFriday lends a hand, and encourages a heart by providing visibility, networking, support, and access to resources. They offer advice, based on sound career development, and recruiting principles.  This chat has developed its own community, thanks to the very dedicated work of founder, Margo Rose.  Not only are there some really great folks there that are ready to be hired by YOU, there are many recruiters offering great advice.  Follow @Hire_Friday @HRMargo. When: Fridays at noon Eastern.

#JobHuntChat: Started In February 2010, Job Hunt Chat is a community where job seekers, recruiters, human resource professionals, career coaches, and hiring managers can connect.  Their method is simple: 1 chat, 6 questions, and 1 hour.  They take questions straight from the job seeker and offer real solutions from real industry experts.  Moderated by @CornOnTheJob @Blogging4Jobs and @girlmeetsgeek.

So what are you waiting for?  Join in, get great advice, and get hired in 2012!  Do you have other chat recommendations for job seekers?  Please leave a comment.  As always, thanks for reading.

Photo credit: Mashable