Do you need a blog or something worthwhile to say to get a job?
9 Comments Published April 26th, 2006 in E-PRSo the Boston Globe says that blogging is essential for a good career and Tom Raftery is running an interesting experiment to see if he can get a job from his blog. Can blogging actually get you a good job though?
One of my friends likes to point out to me that the time I put into my blog could be put into something else like starting a business. This site has increased my profile and opened avenues for me, but there will come a time where I’ll have to weigh up whether I spend an hour or two at the weekend drafting posts, as opposed to a few minutes, and pursue another opportunity which could provide me with a better return on investment. Let’s face it, there are guys out there thinking that they are changing the world in front of their computer screen, when the world is passing them by in reality.
Going back to the Boston Globe article, what should really be highlighted is whether you have anything interesting to say? How is a blog going to help your career if all you do is simply link to, rather than discuss, what you’re reading. Would I hire someone because they read the Irish Times or whether they’ve had an article published in it? Go figure!
The one really interesting thing to come from this though will be to see who gives Tom Raftery a job. Despite what’s being said in the comments, no-one really seems to be picking up on the fact that he claims to have job offers. If it’s an Irish company, it has the potential to be a publicity coup.
On a sidenote, call me old fashioned but I wouldn’t hire anyone without seeing their CV. While you can headhunt people, hire them because of their blog or be wildly impressed in an interview, as the person making the hiring decision you owe it to the company to ensure you have dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s before signing the deal. At the end of the day, words might be impressive, but actions (and results) speak louder.
Technorati Tags: Blogging, Blogs, HR, Piaras Kelly, Boston Globe, Tom Raftery
9 Responses to “Do you need a blog or something worthwhile to say to get a job?”
- 1 Pingback on Apr 27th, 2006 at 4:55 am
Leave a Reply
Search
There are no recent tweets.
Categories
- Books (4)
- Buzz (3)
- E-PR (142)
- General (491)
- Ideas (7)
- Personal (77)
- PR in Ireland (87)
- Resources (5)
- Technology & PR (6)
Archives
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- December 2006
- November 2006
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- July 2006
- June 2006
- May 2006
- April 2006
- March 2006
- February 2006
- January 2006
- December 2005
- November 2005
- October 2005
- September 2005
- August 2005
- July 2005
- June 2005
- May 2005
Piarras,
I have managed to get two job offers as a result of blogging – One as a photographer (one-off family portrait), the other is a short-term contract with an IT development company who I signed with yesterday, without them ever asking to see a CV.
Blogging cannot really be used in replacing a CV, most blogs have a list of experience in the about pages, but certain employers will want to see something more in-depth and perhaps physical. The blog may not get you the interview but it gives you an advantage after a company has seen your CV.
I personally reckon more people get fired over blogs that get jobs out of them!!
I’ve had approaches from very large PR firms wanting to hire me as a result of reading my blog. After several years of running my own business I’m not averse to taking a job but the ‘offer’ would have to be right and that doesn’t just mean money. None of the approaches so far have been right.
I do not believe that you need a blog to get a job but it does help. Take the case of Erin Caldwell, a PR student from Auburn University.
Erin made a name for herself because of her exceptional work and tireless effort. However, it was her blog that made her known among the PR circles in the blogosphere.
Those who are looking for a job should realize that nothing replaces accomplishments and hard work. For job seekers, a blog should be looked at as a communications channel that can increase your personal brand.
Well said Michael
In the same way that employers routinely Google prospective employees to see what they have made a name for themselves in, no doubt blogs will be equally consulted. Some current students would be well advised to take down their entries on sites such as YouTube and Bebo in advance of launching themselves in the job market.
I do not think anyone is looking to replace hard work and experience with a few simple blog posts’ and then expecting a job offer. A blog simply allows employers to see first hand how/what the prospective employee thinks, and often to see a portfolio of written and visual work.
A blog does not replace a CV.
A blog itself will not make you start getting job offers.
A blog itself is not enough.
But it certainly helps, especially is it’s relating to the industry you are targeting.
Ivan | http://www.JobsBlog.ie