Blogs For JobsSarah Rach-Sovich

There has got to be something to that!

• A blog is a discussion or information site published on the internet consisting of discrete entries ("posts") – Commentary on a particular subject– Personal online diaries – Online brand advertising of a particular individual

or company • Typically displayed in reverse chronological

order so the most recent post appears first

Eh… tell me more…• A typical blog combines text, images, and links

to other blogs, images, and other media related to its topic

• The ability of readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs

And what else can you do?

• Most blogs are primarily textual– Some focus on art, photographs, videos (vlogging),

music, and audio (podcasting)• Microblogging is another type of blogging,

featuring very short posts – Twitter

Still not getting it…

• Here are a couple examples:– http://www.careerhubblog.com/– http://diggingsblog.com/

So, how can a job seeker use a blog?

Be a Reader …Or… Author one!

Read blogs about…

• Job Searching Tips• Companies• Industries/Fields• Whatever your network

writes – good way to stay connected

How would reading blogs help me?

• Reading blogs is an effective way to get an “insider look” at occupations, industries or fields

• Company blogs can help you research• Keeps you up to date with your field/company

of interest

As a reader you should check out:

• Company Blogs• http://bx.businessweek.com/3m/blogs/ • http://blogs.douglas.co.us/ • http://www.crookedwillow.net/blog/ • http://www.blindfactoryalex.com/blog/ • Job Search Blogs• http://guerrillajobhunting.typepad.com/• http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/• http://blog.linkedin.com/ • http://blog.simplyhired.com/

How would authoring a blog help?

• Shows your expertise• Makes you “google-able”… in a good way– If you can't get rid of negative material, obscure it

by creating a lot of positive, accurate info, about yourself…. A blog!

• Can link to your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn sites (e.i. a form of networking)

• Helps create your personal “brand”

Want to take the plunge?

• Blogger • Wordpress

• Typically mobile friendly

• Usually free: may cost to setup a domain name

Warning

• Blogs can be extremely helpful

• But be careful about what you say, how you say it and how much information you disclose

• Don’t post company information

Spice it Up!

• The Cutest Blog on the Block– http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/free/w

ordpress-themes.html