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Personal blog when applying for jobs
I work in the journalism/media field, and when I was looking for a new job recently I applied for a few positions that entailed working with social media outlets or running a blog. I don't keep a personal blog, but since a few applications asked if I had a blog I think it might be a wise idea to start one.
Any ideas on what the blog should be about? Do you think it's good if I just have A blog to speak of, or would some topics be more professional than others? I don't really cook and I don't have a home, so recipe and decor/renovation won't work. Travel would probably be a safe topic, right?
Would an employer look favorably on a personal blog with varied topics? Of course I wouldn't have entries like, "My sister and I got into a fight today and here's what it was about," but more along the lines of, "MH and I went to this new restaurant today and here's what we ate" or "I bought my sister XYZ for her birthday, here's the link to the product and what I think of it." Or would it be better to stick to one general topic, such as travel?
Re: Personal blog when applying for jobs
Love your siggy pic!
I have a blog about my son. It's really more for me to keep track of stuff he does. But it's still there for others to read.
I don't think it has to be on a topic that is super specific like travel. I think that could actually limit you if you realyl want to get some meat in the blog.
But from the stuff you listed, I'd think something like "my simple adventures in life" - and you can share travel, but also the great restaurants you've gone too, or a fun activity you did over the weekend, etc.
~Benjamin Franklin
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10
I have a journalism background and work in social media. My personal blog has helped me get my last two positions. My blog has no specific theme except that it is generally about my life as an expat - but I talk about all sorts of things. It's a great way to keep in touch with family/friends as well as hone writing skills and keep up with social media.
That said, anyone who works in online media - especially those with experience in social media - know when a blog is just a blog for the heck of it. The key to blogging, as I am sure you know, is updating regularly and creating a dialogue. There are so many blogs out there that are just dead now. Updated semi-regularly for a few months and then dropped. I don't think there is anything worse than that so if you can commit to taking it seriously and writing regularly, I think you should do it.
Can you write about travel experiences a few times a week? Probably. But only choose travel if that's what you're really passionate about. Otherwise I'd keep the blog quite general so you have some wiggle room when it comes to topics.
There are so many stories of blogs hurting people's chances of employment, but take it from me, personal blogs can help you stand out from the crowd in a positive way.
And if you decide a blog isn't for you (it really isn't for everyone), simply following blogs (from business to travel to food to mommyblogs) and having a presence on social networking sites will show you know your stuff. (I cannot believe how many people consider themselves consultants in social media and have never been on Twitter.)
How to Play House blog
I agree with PP, especially about being educated with social networking in general.
I used to work in journalism, but I've been a technical writer for the past four years. I recently started my own website/blog as part of an endeavor to expand my knowledge in the technical communication industry as well as set myself apart from other applicants while I hunt for a job. I blog about issues, news, trends, etc. in the industry. Because it's career-related, I keep personal details out of it. So that's another route you could explore.
Good luck!
I have had my blog since last fall. It's basically fashion and decor related. I don't take it super seriously. But when it came out in my interview that I had a personal blog, my interviewers were pretty impressed, especially because the job is in marketing and the department wants to roll out a bigger social media and blogging presence.
I didn't exactly want them to go poking around in my blog, because I consider the topics so vain and trivial, but just the fact I was in the blogging world was definitely in my favor, and I did get the job.
Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12
i like it !
www.winddeal.com