That’s right, I just used “blog” as a verb, like “google” or “text.” It’s been long enough now that blogging has become an acceptable part of our online experiences. We read blogs, learn something from them, and leave comments almost every day.
But there are still so many mistakes people make when they attempt it if they attempt it. Inconsistent frequency of posts, using inside jokes that only a few people understand, and failing to break up the post into smaller manageable chunks are just a few mistakes.
When done right, your blog may be the difference between you and another job candidate. I have seen this over and over again in my practice. And despite the evidence, very few job seekers take advantage of this affordable way of making a splash. Are you going to separate yourself from the competition and start a blog?
Here are 5 reasons that blogging is going to help you find a job:
- You show you are intelligent: Even if you have a killer résumé, hiring managers still doubt you, as they should. More than 20 percent of résumés contain flat-out lies. So you might look smart on paper … but a blog is going to demonstrate you really ARE smart. This reduces perceived risk and makes it easier for hiring managers to respect you.
- You show that you know how to write: When I graduated from Brown University in 2000, our keynote speaker told all of us that despite the open curriculum, we are expected to know how to do just two things when we leave school: To Think and To Write. I can’t name a job that doesn’t require writing skills, whether internally or externally. You will write emails, memos, presentations, or sales copy. A blog will show your new company that you are up to the task.
- You demonstrate that you are motivated: Everyone goes into a job interview promising high performance and passion. But when that flame burns out after three months on the job, that new hire becomes a liability — a very costly hiring mistake. Alleviate your hiring manager’s anxiety by showing that you are who you say you are — that you care about this work enough to research and write about it at least twice a week.
- You have something to say: Very few hiring managers want to hire “yes” men. They are looking for co-pilots, for creative tension, for dynamics in the office. Even if a hiring manager doesn’t agree with your opinion, at least you had one and had the courage to voice it. Not only does this demonstrate self-confidence, but you also differentiate yourself from other candidates in a non-competitive way.
- You are a leader in a community: When you blog consistently, obtain some Google page rank, and spark discussions in your comments, you begin to look like an expert. In marketing, there is no force more powerful than social proof. Comments on your blog make you look like that charismatic kid in high school who always had people buzzing around him. Invariably, the thought will cross the hiring manager’s mind, “Well, if other people listen to this guy, then he must be legit.”
If you blog and would like to get more comments and credibility, consider joining the Comment Co-op where bloggers support each other by giving out comments and links: https://careerenlightenment.com/blogger-co-op
Very informative. I’ve often thought of using Linked In or WordPress to promote myself during a job search but I never thought of the value of blogging. I can see now where that would help show you really know your area of expertise. I was once told by an employer ” if you can’t say it, you don’t know it.” Here is a link to some free job search training and networking tips: http://www.RelationshipCapital.Co/JobNetworkingPrimer
some times the easiest things to do are the hardest to do, I have caught myself – not listening- or what you may have to say not important. thank-you @
hi. your bottom link for bloggers is broken.
Fixed.
I agree. Even the teachers are not good writers or speakers now. Have you listened to the grammar of your average English teacher lately?
Good idea. This is a way to keep and sharpen your writing skills as well. Yes, kids are not learning to become good writers in the school systems anymore. They are barely speaking standard English. Sad.
I would add: It is one of the few ways to add value to your community, and that’s the only reason you are going to be followed.
Pedro
Joshua, all the points are ones that need to be observed. I agree with Sara about writing. It is so important that people know how to write and as you stated, schools don’t teach that anymore. They hardly teach proper reading.
I particularly like item 4, that ‘you have something to say’. My blogs lean toward one area at the moment but when I do write, it’s because I do have something to say. People might not agree with me, but I’m not concerned. Maybe I will force a discussion. In any case, actually having something to say is very important. Doing a blog isn’t like tweeting.
Thanks for the pointed info that you always bring to your blogs.
Sara, Wonderful observations. Isn’t it a pity that our school systems don’t teach these skills more seriously!
Joshua, I agree 100% with your observation that blogs demonstrate your ability to write, which is an extremely useful skill in the workforce. I would add that your ability to write clearly additionally demonstrates your ability to think clearly, as your keynote speaker indicated.
My employer, a company with over 180 employees, has only 9 or 10 who can write exceptionally well, and probably only 3 who are gifted public speakers. They are continually promoted to positions of greater responsibility (and compensation) because of these rare abilities.