If you're looking for a job, here's a new way to stand out from the pack of prospects.
And you don't have to knock on any doors, call any recruiters, or even send a single email. All you have to do is brush up on your writing skills and a prospective employer may just come looking for you.
Forget resumes, online job boards and even old-fashioned networking. The hottest way to land your dream job is to write a blog.
Debbie Weil, author of "The Corporate Blogging Book" says, "There's definitely a trend to using blogs both for looking for a job and a recruiter looking for a prospect or a new employee."
Experts say blogs can give employers insight into your writing ability and how you think. Plus, a more in-depth look at your qualifications than a standard resume.
Weil says, "There's so much more you can put on a blog. You can put video, you can put pictures, you can write in a much more expansive way about who you are and what you know about."
And with more than 75 million blogs on the web right now, recruiters and employers are using these online journals to search for talent.
Russell Glass of ZoomInfo says, "Blogs are a great way to find employees." In fact, Russell Glass has hired people for his hot, new internet search engine.
To get noticed, experts say it's critical to focus your topics on your industry and highlight what you know.
Weil says, "It's pretty easy to show you're on top of industry issues by referring to an article in the Wall Street Journal or a trade magazine related to what you do."
Also, pay close attention to your writing style, spelling and grammar...and avoid anything too controversial or personal.
Glass says, "Basically, if you wouldn't want an employer to see it or read it, I wouldn't post it on your blog."
In addition to people writing web logos, companies are now creating their own blogs as a recruiting tool. They often include information about the company, personal stories from employees, as well as details on how to apply for a job.
