Think of the word “blog” and what comes to mind? Mommy bloggers?
People posting funny cat videos? Well, no more. Today’s savvy job
seekers are putting their skills to the test and blogging their way to
success and job opportunities. Here’s why a blog can get you your next
job.
1. It’s your resume, only better: Everyone has a resume.
But a blog allows you to highlight the skills on your resume, times
ten. For example, if you’re a writer, you can flex your writing muscles
and post examples of your creative writing. Even if you’re a tax
accountant, you can write your thought-provoking opinions on some of the
new tax laws or add a testimonial from a happy client. Just be sure
what you write is accurate and well-supported.
2. It gives you a positive digital footprint:
Whenever you apply for a job, the first thing a recruiter will do is
investigate you online. Having a blog will give potential employers a
fuller (and positive) picture of who you are and how you carry yourself,
both personally and professionally. And unlike being tagged in an
unflattering — and public — image of yourself on Facebook, your blog
contains content that you can completely control to project yourself in
the best light possible.
3. It helps you build a network: Employers are not
only looking for employees who bring knowledge and a superior skill set
to the table, but they also want someone who is well connected. So while
you might have 500+ connections on LinkedIn, having a blog that has a
dedicated readership shows that you know how to create — and keep —
connections, both in the digital world and the real world.
4. It keeps you current — and sharp: If you’ve been
scanning and searching the Internet for job postings for a while, it’s
easy to let your skills slip a little. Blogging will not only keep your
knowledge current, but it will also keep your skills sharp as you create
cool new content for your readers on a consistent basis. It can also
help you stand out as a career expert in your industry.
5. It makes you interesting to employers: When
hiring managers read resumes every day, it can get really boring, really
fast. If you have a blog that represents not only your skills but also
(hello!) your personality, that makes you stand out more than the other
seekers who submitted their resumes on fine linen watermarked paper.
Suddenly, you become a person — and a possible job candidate they’ll
call in for an interview.
Creating and customizing a blog makes you attractive to potential
employers. It will help set you apart from other candidates and give you
that added edge in finding a job.