by Oluwatobi Soyombo

Mark Schaefer wrote a blog post recently on “7 reasons why every job seeker should blog” and I cannot but agree with the tenets of the post. He ended it with a paragraph that I’ll like to use as the alpha of this piece. Consider it below:

“I’ve enjoyed our time together but there is so much more I could tell you about my abilities. I hope you’ll take a look at my blog (the Web address is on my résumé) so you can see for yourself the way I think about things.”

-You have just extended your interview by another 15 to 30 minutes and that may make all the difference.

Indeed, that will be a great way to end a job interview and I have heard about people who have ended theirs that way. You know what, the employer ended up make reference to their blog the next day.

Your ability to create cutting-edge content may just be your cutting-edge over other job seeker. An average employer will prefer to employ an applicant he/she perceives has a deep knowledge about the happenings in the industry to employing someone he/she perceives otherwise. Trust me, your blog can aid the perception of your boss to-be about you. The importance of a functional blog to a job seeker cannot be over emphasized.

So, what will you be blogging about?

• ·         Your Industry: I believe every job seeker should have a pre-determined industry they want to dive into based on the knowledge they’ve acquired over time. Set up your blog and begin to blog on stuffs about the industry. Take for instance, I belong to the Technology sector, so hardly will you find anything short of that on my blog. Therefore, if you’re entering into the oil sector, start blogging about it right away.
• ·         Latest Trends in your industry: Writing blog posts on the current trends in the industry tells your prospective employer that you are current and you know what’s happening in that industry. You’ll create your Aha! moment most especially if your potential boss ends up learning something new about the latest trends in the industry on your blog. Trust me, it’s possible.
• ·         Your opinions: Don’t just report the happenings in your industry. Take it further by telling your visitors what you feel about it. It’s important we know where you stand. Your blog should not just be a collection of latest news. NO! You can even move to the point of giving your own suggestion on how things should be done. Do so, as long as you’re sure of what you’re saying. Your potential employer will either agree with you or respect you for your opinions. The former is likely to happen. He may even open an “educative” argument with you the next time he sees you. What a great way to connect with your new boss!
• ·         How-to/Tips: To show that you’re well informed about the industry, you might also want to consider blogging about certain tips that can be beneficial to your readers (Yes, your potential boss inclusive).

Don’t be afraid that you know only little about your industry, especially if you’re a new graduate. All you have to do is to be a regular visitor of the top sites in your industry consuming as much information as you can. You can’t blog about what you’re ignorant of. So, visit your industry related blogs, see what others are blogging on. Take a clue from their posts, form your own opinion and get right to your PC and pour it down (Hey, I mean improve on what others blog on). Keep evolving!