Blogger vs WordPress Blog

Content is still king, and a blog can be the key to get you to your dream job faster. Yes, savvy jobseekers are putting their skills to the test and blogging their way to rapid success.

If you already have a blog, you already know that it's a great way to establish your personal brand, share your opinion, inspire discussion and demonstrate industry expertise.

Since these are the very skills that recruiters typically look for, every serious job hunter should have a well-maintained blog.

So, how do you get started?

Create a site

There are a number of free or paid sites that offer blogging platforms for even the most inexperienced website user. WordPress.com is easily the most popular blogging platform available. The free version offers limited customization, but, for a basic site, it is easy and simple to set up. Blogger.com is equally good and is Google's blogging platform to boot.

Set up the basic pages

Once you set up your blog, be sure to include the following basic pages: your profile page with a picture, a portfolio and a contact information page.

Identify your target audience

Before you begin writing, define your audience. If you want to use your blog to further your career, you need to write about the industry you want to work in, which means you need to write for those already in the industry.

Start posting articles

Now that you've got your blog set up and know your audience, it's time to start posting. There are multiple types of article styles including the most popular ones: how-to or DIY blogs, reviews, personal stories or interviews. A well-written how-to post or review can help show off your expertise. Personal stories tell people more about you. And interviewing other experts in the field shows your versatility and is a great networking tool, too!

Engage with your audience

If your audience begins to comment on your blog, make sure you thank them and respond to any questions or feedback. Also, never respond negatively. If someone is clearly an internet troll, just delete them from your comments.

Be open to learning new skills

When you start blogging, you will begin to naturally improve upon a number of skills like writing, researching, promotions and social media. These skills, in turn, will open you up to far more job opportunities.

Get noticed!

A well-crafted blog can help you get noticed by the right people, and build your reputation. It can be a great way to show that you are:

intelligent, creative and able to write clearly on relevant topics

motivated, interested and an expert in your industry

passionate about your profession

eager to engage in discussion with like-minded people.

Positive digital footprint

Whenever you apply for a job, the first thing a recruiter will do is investigate you online. Having a blog is a positive digital footprint that will give potential employers a picture of who you are and how you carry yourself, both personally and professionally.

It also helps you build a network. Employers are not only looking for employees who bring knowledge and a superior skillset to the table, they also want someone who is well connected. So, while you might have 500+ connections on LinkedIn, having a blog that has a dedicated readership shows that you know how to create — and keep — connections, both in the digital and the real world.

Indian-born Murali Murthy is an acclaimed public speaker, life coach and best-selling author of the ACE Books — The ACE Principle, The ACE Awakening and The ACE Abundance. He is also chairperson of CAMP Networking Canada. See aceworldfoundation.com.

Source: 7 blogging rules to promote yourself in today's job market