Blogs are powerful tools for getting noticed before or during a job search. Many job seekers see it as more than just a passive way to reach employers. People find value in all forms of content. If it educates, trains, or informs, then it's useful. If it positions you as an expert in your field, even better. A post is valuable if the picture, video, or audio content can make you laugh, cry, or even acquiesce.
There are so many stories about how people leveraged blogs for new jobs. I found five common elements from these blogs:
1. An Informative "About Me" page
This is one of the most important pages on your blog. I find that writing in the first person instead of writing it in the third will endear your readers to you. Choosing a site such as about.me is fine, but in my opinion, a WordPress blog is best. A pre-made template is fine but buying a personal domain (yourname.com) is best. It will be the number one or two most visited page, so you have to optimize its effectiveness as much as you can. Share accomplishments of your career and don't forget to include contact information.
2. Great Photo(s)
One of the easiest and most essential elements on your blog that will impact your audience is how you look. A great head shot increases interest in you. Interested recruiters and employers may decide to engage you in a business conversation. If you go with several photos of yourself, make sure the quality is outstanding. Adding a fun photo or two shows your personality. Show pictures of you teaching or facilitating a workshop.
3. Menu of Your Specialties
Your "About" page shows what you do and a little personal information. The tabs on your menu bar offer choices of what a visitor can read. You control the content that is most useful to your readers.
4. Regular Content Publishing
There are varying opinions of how much and how often. If you're hoping to attract employers and recruiters, look for freelance opportunities. If you want to engage readers, then publish once a week. Your articles don't have to be a thousand words. In fact, if you're publishing once a week, then 300 words or fewer works.
5. Various Forms of Content
Content in video and audio forms work because it showcases your personality. Blog visitors can picture working with you demonstrates likability. Your voice is the catalyst to any opportunity you create. It also is the competitive advantage to leverage when most are struggling with writing.
Blogging in 2017 is a must. Not blogging is a missed opportunity to give your personal brand a credible and respectable boost. Most job seekers have yet to choose to blog as a tool and are missing an opportunity to present themselves as an expert on a particular topic related to their career. Blogging is still a disruptor in the hiring process today. If you want to stand out, then position yourself to be found.
