7 Simple Ways Blogging Can Benefit Your Career

If you want a great job in any industry, you need to stand out from the pack. Even if you do all the “musts”—like have a complete LinkedIn profile and refined resume—it still may not be enough to stand out in this crowded market.

One way to take your professional persona to the next level is through blogging. Below are seven ways blogging can help you triumph over the competition.

Blogging Enhances Your Professional Profile

Hiring managers want proof that the expertise you boast is legitimate. Blogging allows you to give them something concrete to look at.

Your blog should be current and, above all, relevant to your industry. If you blog about random, unrelated, topics they’ll wonder what exactly your area of expertise is! The point is to show hiring managers and recruiters the way you think, how much you know, and how that's going to help them.

Blogging hits the mark when it comes to selling your brand, even with limited experience. Doing research as well as analyzing problems and solutions in your profession shows that you’re passionate and motivated. And it demonstrates that you’re in touch with your niche.

You (May) Attract Decision Makers

Think about this scenario for a minute:

You publish a blog post outlining suggestions on a hot issue in your field and it’s picked up by the online community. People share it on social media, it gets mentioned in other articles online, and maybe even some curated newsletters.

This kind of exposure could lead to decision makers (like hiring managers, or recruiters)  coming your way. Tech companies large and small are always on the lookout for fresh talent. Netflix, for instance, contacts potential hires through LinkedIn when a profile looks promising. Uber riders who ace a mobile coding game get invited for a friendly chat with the company.

Ultimately, informative blog posts can take you down that path. Professionals share millions of blog posts every day. Wouldn’t it be great if yours were among them?

Expanding Your Network

Yes, getting out in the real world and networking is important. So is networking with others online through groups, like LinkedIn Groups, and forums. However, there’s only so much time you can spend on networking efforts.

Instead, you can make the right type of people come to you. A blog can put your name on the map, and allow like-minded folks to come your way.

Remember to include your social media handles and contact information on your website. Otherwise, people will not be able to connect with you!

A Blog Compliments Your Resume

Recruiters and hiring managers receive dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes for a single job opening. The tech job market is piping hot right now. Sure, it’s easier to land a job in certain areas because of a skills shortage. Still, competition for most positions—especially at top companies—is intense. Meaning in the very least your resume and cover letter have to be on point.

Even more, hiring managers may look for an extra reason to add your resume to the “call for interview” pile instead of the “not sure” one. A link to your blog could make all the difference.

A blog can add context to your resume and cover letter. It also can show how you apply your skills and knowledge.

Blogging Lets You Establish a Digital Footprint

What’s one of the first things recruiters do when they receive your resume? Most likely some kind of Google search of your name. And what they see on the results page can seriously impact your chances of getting called in for an interview, or even an offer. 

Recruiters want to see a digital footprint for several reasons:

• It shows you’re savvy with the internet/social media
• They become familiar with your skills/personality before an interview
• They want your views on the developments and operations within the industry

Overall, a trail of content indicating pride in your career will go over well in the eyes of hiring managers and recruiters.

Build New Skills and Stay Current

Managing a blog allows you the chance to learn new skills. It also can give you something productive to do during your job search—instead of refreshing your email inbox, hoping for news about positions you’ve applied for.

Through blogging, you can sharpen a range of skills. Such as,

• Writing
• SEO
• Social media
• Analytical tools (like Google Analytics)
• A CMS (like WordPress)

Employers won’t ignore those skills! (Or the determination and ambition a good blog portrays.)

Moreover, blogging not only helps your knowledge bank stay up to date, but it also gives you the chance to help others.

It Establishes You as a Leader

When you create content that offers advice, solutions, and guidance—you help people.

The ability to teach a skill that many companies look for in candidates. It not only shows that you have superior communication skills, but it also demonstrates that you enjoy helping others. 

Over time, publishing useful content in the tech industry solidifies your place as a leader, or authority figure. This kind of leadership never fails to impress a hiring manager.

But it doesn’t stop there!

If your blog becomes a go-to source for helpful information, you could even start blogging as a side job. Meaning you can get paid to write as a freelancer on other sites, and perhaps even one day be contacted to write a book. Not to mention a slew of other professional opportunities.