Why Starting A Blog Could Help Your Job Search

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We’ve all heard about how starting a blog can benefit writers who are looking to publish their work, but what if you’re not a writer? Could blogging still benefit you? In what ways?

Blogging is more than writing your thoughts and feelings about a topic you’re passionate about. In fact, blogging could entail many things. You could post videos, photos, infographics, and any other creations you can think of. You can offer help, post tutorials, and even earn money in some instances. Whatever you choose to produce when starting a blog, if taken seriously, it could be a great way to showcase your work as a professional.

Why Starting A Blog Could Help Your Job Search

As the demand to build an online presence in order to be more visible to potential employers grows, it isn’t enough to simply have social media profiles. If you want to have a bigger presence on the Internet, starting a blog could definitely help you in your job search.

In an interview with Annabel Candy, creator of travel blog Get in the Hot Spot and blogging tips site Successful Blogging, the expert blogger shared why she got into blogging and web design.

“I studied for an MA in Design for Interactive Media in 1995 because I had no idea about computers, but realized that I needed to get up to speed fast,” said Candy. “The Internet was so new then, I really had no idea what opportunities it would lead to but it’s opened up so many doors for me.”

Because of the flexibility blogging provides, you can practically work with anyone and from anywhere, which can be beneficial when you’re looking to build a larger professional network.

This rings true especially when you’re unemployed. Not having a steady income can really limit what you spend your money on. Sometimes you don’t have gas money to attend the job fair in your neighboring city or other networking events. Blogging can help you go virtual with your networking and it costs nothing.

In addition, blogging is a good way to “differentiate yourself from most job seekers,” said Candy. “It’s a chance to show that you’re unique, passionate and prepared to take risks.”

These are all good qualities to have when looking for work. It’s so hard to stand out from the job seeking pool when everyone around you is dressed as professionally as you, has a good cover letter, resume, references, and then some.

“The WordPress 2010 and 2011 themes aren’t a bad way to start,” said Candy. Keeping a blog “clean and simple” are also good things to keep in mind when starting a blog. Even if you don’t have blogging experience this should be easy to follow. Think of blogging as you do about your job interviews, always looking for ways to make that good first impression. “First impressions count and are hard to change so keep your language clean as well as your design,” said Candy.

If you haven’t explored the benefits blogging could provide, now is a good time to start. It can build your confidence, and help advertise your skills in ways other Internet sites cannot.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

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8 Comments

1. 

   Roberta

   March 2, 2013 at 12:04 PM

   Great post and I completely agree! I’ve recently started my first blog with a fellow college student in hopes to gain recognition and help others like us who are getting ready to graduate and are looking to get hired after college. It’s called “Get Hired! Canada” – we would love your feedback so please come visit! http://www.gethiredca.blogspot.ca

   Reply
2. 

   Nick @ ayoungpro.com

   February 12, 2013 at 5:16 PM

   I couldn’t agree more with this post. In fact, it is exactly why I started my blog. Writing about my career experiences helps me flesh out ideas that I have for improving it!

   Reply
3. 

   Ramesh

   February 12, 2013 at 2:09 AM

   Yes, blogging can be a good way to present one’s credentials and competence in an area of expertise. It can be a nice hobby for those lucky to have a day job, but could be very useful for those who don’t have one. Of course, blogging requires lot of commitment on time and efforts to post quality write-ups regularly, to retain readers’ interests. No one likes to visit a blog with dated information. So, while it is a great medium of expression and to reach out for freelance writers and creative people, it is a good medium for job-seekers to showcase their knowledge and expertise in their chosen field.

   Reply
4. 

   Drew Tewell

   February 9, 2013 at 10:56 PM

   Belen,

   Very innovative job search idea! And it’s probably a good idea to start your blog before you need it, i.e. while you’re still employed and even happy with your current job.

   Thanks for sharing,

   Drew Tewell

   Reply
5. 

   Angela Ursery

   February 8, 2013 at 5:22 PM

   Thank you for your post. Yes, blogging is one way to differentiate yourself from others. It is also a great way to connect with others, be of service to others (by providing access to information, resources, analysis).

   I do think, however, that blog content without limited value, usefulness, and/or quality, is almost as bad as not blogging at all.

   Reply
6. 

   Annabel Candy, Successful Blogging

   February 8, 2013 at 4:58 PM

   Hi Josh and Belen,

   It’s hard for me to think of anyone who couldn’t benefit from having a blog these days. But you have to be brave, committed and dedicated which is why I suppose not everyone does have a blog and why those who do stand out from the crowd :)

   Reply
7. 

   Josh Tolan

   February 8, 2013 at 1:47 PM

   These are all great reasons why job seekers should consider starting a blog in order to nab their dream job. It makes sense for job seekers to blog about the topics of interest in their particular field. By giving their take on the latest issues and trends, the job seeker will be able to brand themselves as a thought leader in the industry. Plus, the blog can be a great place to share relevant job seeking information like a resume, social media profile, or video resume.

   Reply
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     Belen

     February 8, 2013 at 2:14 PM

     Agreed, Josh! Thanks for reading!

     Reply