One of the best elements of the evolution of the social web is that everyone can be a publisher. Just like one of my favorite Disney Pixar movies, Ratatouille, is known for the line “anyone can cook,” I firmly believe anyone can write. (Now if everyone can write WELL is another question.) But it’s now easier than ever to publish your thoughts for prospective employers, recruiters, and other readers to see. And not only can you easily be a blogger during your job hunt, but you should be a blogger, and here’s why:
Blogging will introduce you to a new audience
Whether you’re writing your own blog, or contributing to someone else’s, you’ll be able to include a byline. In this short description at the beginning or end of the post, you’re able to provide a short summary about who you are, what you’ve done, and/or what you hope to do. This can be especially helpful if you are looking for a job. You can write about a topic relevant to your industry, and then include in your byline that you are seeking employment. If a hiring manager is reading your post, you might just get asked to interview for an open position. As an example of a byline for a blog you don’t own yourself, my most recent post for Brazen Careerist, 9 Gen Y Careerist to Follow on Twitter in 2013, includes the following byline:
Adam Britten is the Community Manager for 16 Handles frozen yogurt and has a master’s degree in digital marketing from Hult International Business School. Chat with him on Twitter @AdamBritten or check out his new blog The Digital Careerist.
See how I was able to include two links in my byline? That brings me to my next point:
Blogging will help your personal SEO
We all know at this point that potential employers are Googling you. When you write your byline, you can include links back to your LinkedIn profile, Twitter account, online resume, design portfolio, etc. Then, when hiring managers are searching for you online, they are more likely to find these links that you want them to see, instead of finding the things you maybe don’t want them to see, or finding someone else with your name. (Pro tip: For more help improving your personal SEO, check out Brand Yourself.)
Blogging will help you practice writing tone, form, and grammar
Clear communication skills (especially writing) are extremely important to have on the job. And lately, many workplace analysts are claiming that young workers are not writing up to par (pointing to social media lowering the standard of writing.) Writing clear & effective memos, emails, and reports is key to being successful at your job, especially when you’re a newer employee, or trying to make a good impression on a hiring manager. Writing (and editing your own posts) will give you more practice in business writing. Additionally, by putting your work out there for others to see, you can collect feedback from your readers (friends, family, etc.) about your writing. That way, you can make sure you’re coming across the way you intend to with your writing.
Blogging could help you preemptively ace an interview
I once interviewed for a job, and the first thing the interviewer did was show me print outs of two blog posts I had written, and he told me he was impressed. Before I had even answered a single question, I already had built a favorable image in his eyes. The interview was mine to lose. (I got the job.) When employers are looking you up online before interviewing you, you can win them over by demonstrating your knowledge and expertise.
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So whether you are starting your own blog, or guest posting for your favorite blog, get your name out there and write something.
Patrick McFadden
January 29, 2013
What I also like is that blogging is free, and it doesn’t matter if anyone reads it. What matters is the humility that comes from writing it, the metacognition of thinking about what you’re going to say. How do you explain yourself? How do you describe in a couple of paragraphs, why you did something? How do you respond out loud? If you’re good at it, some people are going to read it, and if you’re not good at it, you’ll become good at it if you stick with it. This is such a micro publishing platform, that basically you’re doing it for yourself, and forcing yourself to be part of the conversation. And add tot hat all the benefits you just showed us, it’s amazing.
@adambritten
January 29, 2013
I agree, Patrick. You’re right, it might not even matter if anyone (or a large number of people) read your blog. I know many people that write blogs but keep them private, so they are effectively a digital journal, just to constantly practice and improve their writing. Thanks for the comment!
Kris Polk (@Kris_Grace89)
March 3, 2013
As of late, I’ve been thinking a lot about starting a blog or not. What are your thoughts on different platforms such as Tumblr vs. WordPress–or is that largely based on the purpose of my blog? If I do begin a blog, do you have any tips on how to discuss a place of employment? Should names be changed for privacy reasons? I work at two different universities and attend a third one, but I’m guessing there might be legal issues if talking about what happens at work.
Thank you for your thoughts!
@adambritten
March 7, 2013
Hey Kris! I personally prefer WordPress; it’s a little more professional and has better analytics. But if your blog will be more creative in nature, it might be housed better on Tumblr. And as far as talking about a place of employment, that’s tricky. If you’re talking about your company in a negative light, you might want to be a little more careful about names. If you’re praising it, then it probably won’t hurt. But yes, check with legal issues first. I am no lawyer, and higher education is a tricky thing to discuss when you work in the industry.