4 Ways Blogging Helps Build a Better Career

Since competition for entry-level and even mid-level jobs is very high, it’s important for young professionals to stand out to prospective employers in any way they can. One way to do this: start a blog.

As a blogger, you are in control of the content – and ultimately your online reputation and presence.

Here are four more ways blogging can help your career, right now:

Beef Up Your Writing Portfolio

If you are in the field of communications, having excellent writing skills  will set you apart from the competition. How exactly do you become a great writer? Practice. Much like any athlete or musician, the only way to excel in your craft is to continue to practice. Having a blog which you post to daily, weekly, or even monthly gives you a variety of writing samples to add to your portfolio. My writing portfolio is filled with articles that I wrote for my personal blog. All writing samples should be recognized, whether it was for a national newspaper or a simple Blogger site.

Show Your Expertise in Any Niche

By writing consistently about a specific topic or group of topics, you will gain credibility. Let’s say you’re looking to work in marketing and run a beauty blog in your spare time. You post articles and tutorials about all aspects of the cosmetic industry and help your readers learn more about this topic. You find an agency that has beauty clients and you are interested in a position with the company. Your beauty blog gives you a leg up on the competition who doesn’t have that background or expertise in the niche.

Create Job Opportunities

Having a public blog where you post about your life, interests, and accomplishments will attract readers from all over. If you optimize your site by including links to your resume, portfolio, and contact information, you’d be surprised at who will reach out to you. Blogging is the first step to putting yourself out there.

Blogging can also can be viewed as a side job in itself, which looks great on a resume. Running your blog like a business by working with brands or public relations companies, utilizing social media and analytic tools is impressive to employers. Don’t treat your blog like a joke, treat it like a side business and include it on your resume.

Form Valuable Relationships

Plain and simple, blogging is a great networking tool. Not only will you meet friends and peers that share the same interests as you, but you most likely will find people who work in a similar field as you. If you begin to work with companies or brands, keeping in touch with them is a great way to expand your contacts. You never know, someone reading your blog may be looking for a new editorial assistant at their company. They say, “It’s all about who you know,” and blogging can introduce you to a whole new circle of people.

It’s important to note that blogs are not successful overnight. Running a successful blog takes a lot of hard work, time, and skill. It certainly isn’t for everyone, but can give your career, job hunt, or resume a nice boost.

Do you run your own blog? Have some great tips for fellow bloggers? Questions? Share with us in the comments!