Will Blog For Work: 5 Rules for Blogging For A Job

CM Russell has started a blog to chronicle the efforts of bloggers to find employment. The goal is to track everyone who uses a blog to get hired, or starts a blog to get in front of your target company.

Blog for Jobs. 

There are some great examples, including Jeff Clark, whom Recruiting.com helped last year when we posted about his experience, allowing him to be found by ZoomInfo.

So what are the best practices for using your blog to get hired?  Try these steps:

1. Flattery:  Find the company you want to work for and write why you want to work for them.  Everyone likes to be flattered, and if you have really done your homework, a compelling story on why you want to work for a company, or a manager within that company, may be your key to success.  Of course, you could be flagged for stalking, how can you get anyplace in life without taking chances?
2. Show Off: Your resume is just a mashup of letters and titles, but what can your really do?  Are you a salesperson?  Videotape yourself selling the company's services.  Are you a coder?  Build something that the company needs, and put the code online.  Find your value to the company and showcase it on your blog (If your value to the company is you don't mind being underpaid, it is not recommended that you post your W-2's).
3. Point Out Faults.  In the Business, we call them challenges, and your job is to solve them for the company you want to work for.  Identify problems, and discuss how you would solve them.  Be nice, and make sure that you understand the underlying problem.  There is a high risk factor for beclowning yourself when solving problems.
4. Don't Be Specific:  Yes, you want to reach your target audience, but by listing a manager's name online without talking to them, you can come across as a stalker.  I made light of that earlier, but you don't want to ruin your chances to get hired.  It's like telling the prom queen you're in love with her before come in as the third-string quarterback to win the game. 
5. Be Matt Damon.  No, don't really be Matt Damon, but think of that scene from Ocean's Eleven where Brad Pitt is prepping Matt for his meeting with Andy Garcia.

   Be funny, but don't make him laugh. You want him to like you and forget you in the next instant.  And no matter what happens, make sure you never...

The point is not to try to be funny, or witty, or sarcastic.  Be yourself, but not too much of yourself, especially if you're not likable.

Good luck - and send a note to CM Russell if you know of more blogs.

s

Comments

[cm russell]

Thanks for the shout out Jim. I have referenced your tips.

http://www.blogforjobs.com/2007/02/jim-durbins-5-tips-on-blogging-for-jobs.html