want to start offering more on your job applications?
Want to stand out from the crowd with your online profile? Then, blogging could be the answer!
The great news is that blogging is free and easy to do – all you need is motivation, passion and dedication.
There are so many reasons why blogging can benefit your job search, including promoting your online brand, giving you a prominent digital persona and increasing your online network.
Not only this, but blogging can also benefit your job application by giving you a chance to tell the employer more about yourself, and highlighting your passion for your industry and finding a job.
Blogging shows your determination to succeed in your industry and play a part.
here’s a simple guide to starting a blog:
choose a topic
First of all, you need to consider what your blog is going to be about and make sure your name (and URL) reflects that. The best thing to do is to choose a topic within the field or industry you want to work in and have experience in.
It’s a good idea to do some research beforehand, and make sure you have a strong list of topics you would feel confident writing about.
Look at other blogs out there on platforms such as WordPress and suss out the competition before you start writing. It’s always a good idea to bring a new slant to your field, so try to write about something that is unique and interesting to people in your industry.
set up your domain name
If you have the budget (and it doesn’t have to be much), it can be a good idea to set yourself up with a relevant domain name, i.e. www.firstname.blog.co.nz.
This usually costs a certain amount per year and expires after a year so make sure you renew it when you need to.
- Try to think of a domain name that reflects what you are doing – for example, if are writing about engineering it could be a good idea to include a keyword about this topic in the URL to attract attention and increase relevance.
brush up on your writing skills
There are very few jobs now that do not require a level of writing. Writing a blog is a great chance to practice and really improve your writing ability, and learn more about the field at the same time.
Make sure you double-check everything you write at least once, the last thing an employer will want to see is lots of mistakes on your blog.
creating content
In order to make your blog stand out, you need to make sure you are posting relevant and unique content.
- The best way to do this is to create a schedule for each week with an idea for content and a rough plan.
This way, when you sit down to write it you won’t have to brainstorm new ideas every day but you will be ready to write!
post regularly
If you're going to share your blog with future employers you need to make sure it’s regularly updated and features great content. There is nothing worse than setting up a blog but never posting.
- Try to post at least once a week, and do not compromise on content.
- Make sure everything is well-researched and referenced where applicable (if it means posting less often to create better content, that's OK).
connect with other bloggers
It’s a good idea to connect with other bloggers who are writing and commenting on your industry.
- Make sure you like other people’s posts and comment where relevant.
- Connecting via blogging is a great way to not only attract a following from other writers but also build up your knowledge on topics you might be less familiar with.
share your blog with employers
Once your blog has been populated and is on a regular schedule, add the link to your CV and cover letter.
If you have been out of work, having a regular blog shows that you have been maximising your jobseeking time and being proactive about your job search.
- Sharing your blog link can also be a great way to share more of yourself with them instead of sending them your CV, this can work well if you are writing to a company you really want to work for and pitching yourself.
Get planning, organising and writing and your blog will be up and running in no time.
Take this opportunity to maximise this tool to help you land your dream job!
