For some, that really is the question. Whether you’re looking to break into a writing-intensive industry or not, having a personal blog can give you the edge you need to get your dream job.
While we always suggest trying it out, we’ll admit that blogging isn’t for everyone. If writing’s not even a remote strongsuit of yours, or if you despise the idea of chronicling your thoughts for all of cyberspace to gaze upon, having a blog may not be the right choice for you. But for the majority of young professionals, blogging can be a great way to show off personality and writing skills while opening the door for significant networking opportunities.
A blog can entail many things, from humor to philosophy. However, it’s always important to have a direction in mind. Some young professionals go the obvious route, writing about the college-to-career transition and twenty-something city life, but others take a more specific approach. Finding a niche can be a great way to self-identify in the often chaotic blogosphere, and whether you’re writing a guide to gluten-free desserts or detailing the latest celebrity breakups, expressing yourself is always great to do.
Which types of blogs interest you the most? Do you think you’re more likely to comment on blogs with a specific focus as opposed to more general ones?
In an age governed by technology, blogging has never been more crucial. It’s gotten to the point where this self-expressive form of communication is becoming necessary for many young professionals looking to score entry-level jobs. Whether you’re trying to break into the advertising industry or the restaurant biz, having a personal blog is a helpful way to show people your personality, your pursuits, and most notably, your writing style.
This week, we’re discussing the growing trend of personal blogs as a tool for getting hired. We’ll look closely into different types of blogs and their relative value in terms of networking, writing samples, and simply getting noticed. For those of you who debate over the pros and cons of having a blog, look no further – we’ve got it covered.
Do you have a personal blog? Would you consider submitting it to a potential employer? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Coming back to our last topic, the senior year spring freakout, let’s address those who have no idea what next year will bring. There are a few different types of anxiety we need to account for.
1. You still have no idea what you want to do for a living. In this case, you need to proactively seek out the career path that will fulfill you. Don’t worry, this decision can be definitely be changed throughout your life. Start by going to the career advisor on your campus and discussing what your skills can be applied to. Talk to your parents’ friends about what they do. Most importantly, speak with young adults you know who have already entered the workforce. A lot of them probably work in entry-level positions that need to be filled every year. Get the lowdown on their companies.
2. You still don’t feel ready to settle down in a career with an 8-5 routine. Try a career study abroad program. Though these do cost money to partake in, you typically get placed in an internship that you couldn’t get on your own. This means you and your parents can rest on the idea that you’re adding something impressive to your resume. Most importantly, you’ll be experiencing a new country and culture at the same time. For many, this can be a great transition from college life to the workforce.
3. The combo anxiety option: You don’t know what you want to do and you’re not ready to settle down. You need an eye-opening experience to charge you into action. Volunteer programs and things like Teach for America are excellent options. A lot of volunteer programs take place in other countries or in other parts of the U.S. These opportunities can open your eyes to issues you never knew you cared about, skills you didn’t realize you had, and new things you love to do.
If you’re still in college or have recently graduated, chances are there are loads of career finding resources available to you through your school or alma mater.
- Career Fairs. Don’t turn your nose down at these too quickly. You may glance at the list of companies and see nothing of interest. Regardless, it’s a good idea to put on some slacks, grab your resume and spend half an hour checking it out. A company you’ve never heard of may have a position that would suit your skill set perfectly. Career fairs are also among the few opportunities for face-to-face impressions with recruiters.
- Alumni Associations. Speak to someone in the alumni office early and often. They can do amazing things for your career search like send you a list of alumni working in your field in your hometown. A resume can do a lot more for your career search if you have an employee pushing it through for you. Most alumni are happy to lend a hand to eager new graduates from their alma mater. You could also use their contact information to set up information interviews.
- Free Services. People at your school are actually paid to help students like you find a job. Use them. Aside from helping you tackle the daunting search, they can also help you determine what types of jobs your background would help you excel at. Some will even offer to look over your resume or cover letter.
