Friday, 7 February 2020

💻 How These Smart Job Seekers Used Blogging To Find Jobs

A long list of people explain how blogging for job seekers is a strategy that works.

Silhouette of a person jumping beneath a tree
Photo by Stephen Leonardi

In the past, I’ve told you how I regularly receive job offers because of what I’ve done here with JobMob, and a big part of that success comes from having done the Blog Mastermind course when I started blogging (a phenomenal course which has since been expanded).

While my story is about building my personal brand, showing off my expertise and growing a network, the best fit for you might be different.

To inspire you, here are many other bloggers’ stories on blogging to job search success.


Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Can a blog help you get a job? 31 case studies as proof

Case study #1: Blog a hobby into a career

"My blog was more helpful in my job search than my degree was"Click To Tweet

Name: Allison Hitz

Job acquired through blogging: Digital Content Strategist

Personal blog: The Book Wheel

Allison’s story:

“I leveraged my personal book blog to get a job with a company who who works with authors. Interestingly, I recently graduated and my blog was more helpful in my job search than my degree was.

I recently graduated with my Master’s of Public Policy but have been running a book blog for the last three years. Despite two relevant internships to my degree, those interviewing me were more interested in The Book Wheel than they were my education.

After a bit of job hunting with zero success, I decided to look into jobs that were relevant to the publishing industry and found a job working with authors, doing much of what I already do with my blog. I find it pretty amusing that my personal hobby was more beneficial to my career than my degree and while it’s disappointing, I love that I was able to follow one of my passions.”

Case study #2: Blog to track and focus on interested employers

"Having a URL that showed the company’s name helped create a connection with them"Click To Tweet

Name: William Anderson

Job acquired through blogging: Director of Marketing

Personal blog: Wiljr.org

William’s story:

“I use my site to own my public (and sometimes private) voice, while using other sites (iTunes and Soundcloud, Twitter and LinkedIn, etc.) as additional distribution channels. The idea being that at the end of the day, people can learn more about me on MY website.

I used my blog to help me find my current job (going on three years in August!) by creating a specific landing page (similar to this one) that targeted those skills that seemed most relevant for Align [From Jacob: his now-employer]. When I applied for the position, having a URL that showed the company’s name helped create a connection with the company and the location while also showing off my technical and marketing skills.

Adding Google Analytics to track domains and networks that were hitting specific sites helped me refine which companies were more interested and that I could follow up with.

When I came in to interview, the companies knew about me and I knew about them, allowing us to concentrate more on gaps and matching skills.”

(William even used his blog to get a new kidney!)

Case study #3: Blogging landed me $1000s in freelance work at a marketing conference

"Thoughtful, insightful blogging, where you can add value to a field, can definitely help get you freelance work, or even hired"Click To Tweet

Name: Dale Johnson

Jobs acquired through blogging: Content Creator, Graphic Design

Personal blog: Nomad Paradise

Dale’s story:

“In 2015 I attended MozCon, one of the world’s largest marketing conferences. I’m a designer and content creator, so many of the topics were well out of my expertise. While being proactive and engaged on Twitter, I also decided to write an article called ‘The Mole of MozCon’, and described what is was like to be a nonmarketer at a huge marketing conference. Once finished, I posted this piece in the official MozCon Facebook group, where 1000s of attendees were discussing topics. Initially nervous, the article gained a lot of traction, and ended up being liked and shared 100s of times. All of this culminated in a marketing executive from a large SEO agency reaching out to me.

He loved my work, and commissioned me for a series of infographics, equating to $1000s worth of work. We ended up having an ongoing relationship throughout 2015-16. Thoughtful, insightful blogging, where you can add value to a field, can definitely help get you freelance work, or even hired.”

Case study #4: Blog to make it big

'I leveraged my experience and content-management skills to land an editor position at a large, $1billion+ company running multiple women's lifestyle websites'Click To Tweet

Name: Nataliya Ogle

Job acquired through blogging: Editor

Personal blog: Style Tomes

Nataliya’s story:

“I've been blogging since 2009, though I seriously committed in 2012.

Last year, I leveraged my experience and content-management skills to land an editor position at a large, $1billion+ company running multiple women's lifestyle websites. My husband's digital marketing agency was helping with one of their projects when they mentioned they needed a content growth team.

I now manage a team of seven writers, the content calendar, and PR relationships. I still write for my blog and continue to grow it despite my position as an editor at the other publications.”

Case study #5: How a blog can open doors

'My blog is what opened the door for me with Thrive, and the incredible thing is it's also opened many other doors to opportunities I would never have imagined: freelance opportunities, guest writing spots, and on and on'Click To Tweet

Name: Sam Rexford

Job acquired through blogging: Content Marketer

Personal blog: Chill Reptile

Sam’s story:

“In October of 2019, I received an email from Thrive Themes that would change the course of my professional career. They were seeking a new content marketing team member, and were asking for examples of blogging work to filter candidates.

I remember thinking: Well, I'm already a Thrive Themes customer [Jacob: me too!] and use their products on my blog and love their software… I might as well give it a shot.

I fired off an application and was quickly hired by the team as a remote content marketer after they reviewed my credentials and my blog. It's been an amazing experience.

I can honestly say that my blog is what opened the door for me with Thrive, and the incredible thing is it's also opened many other doors to opportunities I would never have imagined: freelance opportunities, guest writing spots, and on and on.”

Case study #6: Blog to show off your skills and expertise

"I made myself my own job to blog once a day while I looked for work"Click To Tweet

Name: Jonathan Alonso

Job acquired through blogging: SEO Analyst

Personal blog: Jongeek.com

Jonathan’s story:

“I had a CV website that did nothing but send users to view my resume, portfolio and letters of recommendations. All of it was just information sitting there with no real fresh contribution to what I really do. So I made myself my own job to blog once a day while I looked for work.

The blog was centered in the SEO industry and I would lay out tactics, new strategies and other methods to use in a successful digital marketing campaign. During interviews, I would bring up these case studies and blog posts and it was like having a promoter on the Internet showcasing my true skills instead of just me saying it in a 10 minute conversation. Soon almost 80% of my phone interviews became in-person or over Skype.

(Another marketing tool I used was social media. Using inbound marketing tactics, I boosted and advertised my posts and had clear calls to action like “Hire Me” or a small bio after the article with a 1-800 voicemail phone number.)

Living 1-2 hours from Orlando is stressful since Melbourne (Florida, were I live) is really scarce when it comes to Digital Marketing positions, but because of my blog strategy, I was able to land a job 25 minutes from home, allowing me to have a better quality of life and more time with my family.”

Case study #7: Young professionals should use blogs to show value

"Using my style blog as a vehicle to illustrate my knowledge of the digital landscape would be crucial in communicating my value as a young professional in the digital marketing industry"Click To Tweet

Name: Joanna Faith Williams

Job acquired through blogging: Digital Advertising

Personal blog: Joanna Faith Williams

Joanna’s story:

“I recently moved from the South to New York City, and without a job lined up and starting my career in such a competitive market, I knew I had to do whatever it took to differentiate myself.

Even with 4 internships under my belt, leadership awards, and other great experiences from my college career, I knew that using my style blog as a vehicle to illustrate my knowledge of the digital landscape would be crucial in communicating my value as a young professional in the digital marketing industry.

I landed an incredible job in digital advertising at a massively successful company, but was blessed with a total of three job offers from companies that were fascinated with my experience running a blog, especially because I run it like a business.

My blog allowed me to have real world experience communicating with brands, negotiating rates, thinking out of the box, working with different platforms, and understanding how the internet works. I was pleasantly surprised by their interest in this, and found myself answering more questions in interviews about my blog than my extensive internship experience, so I'm very thankful I've taken my online brand seriously as it's truly been a reason for my success in this new phase of post-graduate life.”

Case study #8: Blogs as resume

"My blogs are my resume"Click To Tweet

Name: Gautam Kumar

Job acquired through blogging: SEO Manager

Personal blog: Recent Highlights

Gautam’s story:

“I started in 2011 after finding out that there was something called Blogger and you can create your own blogs online. I got excited and created one and thus started my journey. I learned about Content Creation, SEO, Google rankings online and kept working on my blogs. My first blog was zapworld.in and in the next 3 years, it got more than 3 million views. I started with a competitive niche and got to learn a lot about SEO while competing with some of the biggest names like CNN, TheWindowsClub etc. Since then I have created 30+ blogs for myself and have got over 30+ million views on all combined.

I graduated from college in 2017 and since I was already freelancing for many of my local as well as international clients, I started getting recommended to SEO agencies. That's how I got my first job. I have never hard to interview for any job in the last 3 years. My blogs are my resume. I have started a new blog recently named Recenthighlights.com and that's where I will continue to write when I get some time away from my job. Currently, I am working as a Technical Content Writer at an agency and am very satisfied with my life. Blogging is the best thing that ever happened to me and I'm very grateful to have found a way to make a living through blogging and SEO-related jobs.”

Case study #9: Blog to be memorable and build rapport with employers

"My blog helped me stand out and gave the hiring manager something to remember"Click To Tweet

Name: Anna Rice

Job acquired through blogging: Senior Publicist

Personal blog: The Blonde Banana

Anna’s story:

“A couple years ago I was already working full-time in public relations, but was dying to break into an agency that would offer me the chance to gain experience in the field I was truly passionate about: travel.

I found the perfect PR agency with a mix of fashion, outdoor and travel clients and sent in my resume along with a cover letter linking to my blog, The Blonde Banana, which is about seeing the world on weekends and in 24, 36, 48 and 72-hour stints.

Even though they weren’t hiring at the time, the hiring manager was impressed by how well my interests aligned with their client base, and called me in for an interview. During the interview, she revealed that she was actually hoping to hire someone soon but hadn’t posted the job yet. She asked if I would be able to complete a writing test by the end of the weekend and I had to inform her that I was going to be in Ecuador for the weekend, but that I’d work on it as soon as I returned. Instead of being annoyed at the inconvenience, she thought it was really cool that I was willing to travel to Ecuador for the weekend, which sparked a discussion about my blog.

Long story short, I landed the job and once I was hired, I was frequently asked to contribute to the company blog and help out with social media initiatives because of my expertise. I won’t say that my blog got me the job, as I think my background in the PR industry played a larger role, but it definitely helped me stand out from other candidates and gave the hiring manager something to remember.”

Case study #10: Blog as work portfolio

'I didn't have much of a professional portfolio or resume to speak of, but I was able to provide lots of examples of various types of content I created for my blog'Click To Tweet

Name: Natalie Slater

Job acquired through blogging: Community Manager

Personal blog: Bake and Destroy

Natalie’s story:

“I was hired for my first job out of college back in 2008 because of my blog, Bake and Destroy. I didn't have much of a professional portfolio or resume to speak of, but I was able to provide lots of examples of various types of content I created for my blog, and tactics I used on social media to drive traffic to that content. My eventual employer was impressed not only with my writing and marketing skills, but also appreciated my entrepreneurial instincts.”

Case study #11: Attract companies who want to improve their own blogging

"When I had an interview at boutique PR Firm, my blog on tourism was incredibly useful"Click To Tweet

Name: Ashley Price

Job acquired through blogging: Social Media Specialist

Personal blog: Pricelessly Imperfect

Ashley’s story:

“I never saw myself as a blogger actually but in undergrad I needed a class for my journalism minor so I took Online Journalism. My blog was incredibly successful and even a decade later, it still shows up on page 1 of Google for my niche even though it’s been dead for years. When I had an interview at boutique PR Firm, my blog on tourism was incredibly useful. We spent most of my interview going over the strategies I used to make my personal blog successful and the why behind it. They liked my success in that space and I was hired a week later. That job really launched my career as I was CMO by 26. Now, I blog full-time.”

Case study #12: Blog as personal showcase

"My blog is not only a creative outlet for me, but serves as an online portfolio"Click To Tweet

Name: Vanessa Labi

Job acquired through blogging: Digital Engagement Specialist

Personal blog: Babesicle

Vanessa’s story:

“I’ve been blogging for the last few years on my personal style blog, Babesicle, and I believe it’s helped me get my current full-time position as a digital engagement specialist at Creative California, a digital marketing firm based in Sacramento, CA.

My blog is not only a creative outlet for me, but serves as an online portfolio for the type of web writing, promotion, and social media marketing I am capable of. It has helped to get my foot in the door, so to speak. My boss, Creative California founder Josh Rubin, was more apt to meet with me for an interview because he was able to see my face and “get to know me” a bit online rather than simply browsing my resume and LinkedIn page.”

Case study #13: Blog to build credibility and prove your track record

"The blog changed the discussion from being about me to being about how I could help the employer"Click To Tweet

Name: Steve Robins

Job acquired through blogging: Director of Product Marketing

Personal blog: Solutionmarketingblog.com

Steve’s story:

“My blog helped transform my last job search. The blog changed the discussion from being about me to being about how I could help the employer, which was much better.

Before I started the blog, employers would ask me “what other companies have you talked to? How is the search going?” etc.

But once I started the blog, people focused much more on that instead. Interviews often started with something like “I read your blog and really liked your post on solution marketing,” which gave me instant credibility with the hiring manager. That helped change interviews from Q&A about my background into more useful discussions about my opinions and how I’d help the company.”

Case study #14: Blog to grow your personal brand

"I used my blog as a launchpad to build my personal brand"Click To Tweet

Name: Dominique Jackson

Job acquired through blogging: SEO Manager

Personal blog: Dominiquej.com

Dominique’s story:

“I used my blog as a launchpad to build my personal brand, showcase my knowledge and skills and build my portfolio. That allowed me to showcase my experience when I was interviewing for my current job as an SEO manager.

I didn’t have a college degree and or experience doing SEO work for clients like I’m sure most of the other candidates had. But my blog showed the company I was interviewing with that I understood the ins and outs of SEO, had strong writing skills, and had some real life experience with online marketing.

An interesting thing that I did was use my blog as a way to get guest blog posts on some well known sites. Those guest blog posts gave me even more credibility during the hiring process because it showed the company that I knew how to build links legitimately and showcased my writing ability even more. I included links to all of the top guest posts I did as well as my blog in my initial email to the company. That helped set me apart from other candidates right off the bat, because I wasn’t just sending a resume.

My blog functioned (and still does) as the “hub” for my personal brand online. Aside from helping me land my current full time job as an SEO manager, my blog also gets me inquiries from people interested in having me do freelance work with them.”

Case study #15: Blog to prepare for a desired career

"Once I wanted another job, I realized that everything on my blog was perfectly aligned"Click To Tweet

Name: Sara Woznicki

Job acquired through blogging: Marketing Specialist

Personal blog: Astoldoverbrunch.com

Sara’s story:

“I started my blog not too seriously at first, but was supposed to keep an online portfolio for one of my classes in school, to demonstrate I knew the basics of web design. Once I had that live out in the interwebs, I figured I might as well make it worth having out there, so I started blogging randomly to keep it timely. Then the information got outdated on my portfolio, so I moved over to a WordPress site, and focused solely on the blog portion. I wrote personal pieces, some about the current job I had and some about how I was transitioning into adulthood (think “ways to save money” and really basic things like that).

Once I wanted another job, I realized that everything I employed on my blog was perfectly aligned with most digital marketing jobs. From a really high level, I had touched marketing (social media marketing, cross pollinating with other bloggers, etc), writing for SEO, content management, public relations, basic coding, and more. When I went into the job interview, I pulled up my site, told them my metrics and talked about how much I had learned from running my own blog. It was better than my resume and more impactful than just a portfolio. I was also able to demonstrate how I was able to take challenges and turn them into opportunities. For example, we were on WordPress and decided to move to Squarespace. That killed a lot of our site authority, so I was able to talk about how I tried to recover from that.

I can also say that continuing to run a blog also helps my current job with the connections I make, and learning about what gets people to read and subscribe. It’s been a really good test place for small scale ideas.”

Case study #16: Blog to build an online presence and show initiative

"He gave the fact that I was a writer and blogger extra weight when I interviewed for the position"Click To Tweet

Name: Kevin Espiritu

Job acquired through blogging: Head of Marketing

Personal blogs: kevinespiritu.com and Supremestrategies.com

Kevin’s story:

“The writing I did on my blogs got me connected to a buddy, Justin Mares, who I met up in San Francisco while doing some networking for a startup that I co-founded in early 2014. He introduced me to Zach Obront, who ended up being the co-founder of Book in a Box with Tucker Max.

When my startup failed at the end of November, Zach had reached out to me looking for a marketing person for Book in a Box because he’d read and liked a few of my pieces (he has a blog of his own). Tucker, being a writer, also gave the fact that I was a writer and blogger extra weight when I interviewed for the position. My interview was AWFUL (I’d never done one before in my life) but the fact that I’d been proactive enough to build a little online presence and show initiative in that way was the tipping point that led to my hire.”

Case study #17: Blog to gain work-like experience

"The experience I gained through my blog lead me to find my current job"Click To Tweet

Name: Jacqueline Colman

Job acquired through blogging: SEO Account Manager

Personal blog: Claws Up!

Jacqueline’s story:

“After I graduated college, I worked two jobs that both required me to wear a uniform. As someone that values personal expression, I was looking for a new outlet to express myself. Creating a beauty blog was the perfect solution that allowed me to both create looks and write.

Blogging started as a hobby, but it soon became a passion. I started teaching myself how to develop and grow my online presence through the use of social media and SEO. That is when I knew this was where my career path was headed.

The experience I gained in social media and SEO that I acquired through my blog lead me to find my current job as an SEO account manger. I work for a company that helps both small business and larger enterprise clients to build and optimize their websites, and develop their online presence. As an account manager, I get to work with clients one-on-one to help them do what I love doing for myself – build their online presence.”

Case study #18: Blog to shape people’s impressions of you

"blogging has done amazing things for me"Click To Tweet

Name: Sarah Jukes

Job acquired through blogging: SEO Account Manager

Personal blog: Sarahjukes.com

Sarah’s story:

“I knew any potential employer would put my name through google, so why not control exactly what they see?

I used social media strategically to brand myself, engage a wider audience and express my personality online. I still continue these strategies even after meeting my end goal of finding a job.

Here’s what I did. I ramped up my twitter feed and posted diverse but professionally relevant links. I added a layer of authenticity to my tweets by including a couple of words about why I thought the link was interesting or important.

But the biggest thing I did in this space was to regularly write on my blog. Blogging is one of the most powerful platforms you can use to control what people read about you and the impression they form of you.

To be an effective personal blogger, you have to be willing to share a little about yourself. The best personal blogs challenge the status quo, demonstrate logical thought patterns, express vulnerability, articulate a journey and demonstrate a commitment to personal improvement. Your audience, no matter how big or small, forces you to be that little bit more accountable for living with purpose.

Remember that blog post I wrote that went viral? That could not have come at a more perfect time for me. At the time it exploded I was in serious negotiations over my new job. To walk into a job interview and negotiations and talk about how something I wrote got 12,000 facebook likes in a day (yes, that really happened) made me look accomplished, competent and interesting.

Needless to say, blogging has done amazing things for me. It has opened up tremendous doors, ones I could never have dreamed about. I have met some amazing people thanks to this virtual space.”

Case study #19: Use a blog as proof of ability

Name: Quincy Smith

Jobs acquired through blogging: SEO consultant and Lead SEO

Personal blog: ESL Authority

Quincy’s story:

“I run eslauthority.com, a site/blog dedicated to helping people teach abroad. This site has helped me land 2 jobs (SEO consultant and Lead SEO) as well as get approached to do freelance work within the same industry. For the jobs I was able to showcase the organic traffic growth + other marketing successes as proof of my skills – for the consulting I was approached by companies in the same space looking to replicate some of my success.”

Case study #20: A single blog post can earn a job offer

Name: Valerio Puggioni

Job acquired through blogging: Creative Director

Personal blog: Copygun

Valerio’s story:

“One blog I ran was Mister Pajamas (now defunct). It landed me a one-off article gig at Right Hook Digital, but that led to me being hired full time as creative director at the agency. Another blog I ran was fbswipes.com, where I just analyzed Facebook ads. I hadn't done it for long, and it was just a pet project, but an agency owner in New York approached me asking if I'd like a full time gig at his agency. (I didn't take it, but the pay was excellent.)”

Case study #21: Blog to internship to full-time job

"I was hired as a writer by a personal finance website because of my blog"Click To Tweet

Name: Jen Smith

Job acquired through blogging: Writer

Personal blog: Modern Frugality

Jen’s story:

“I was hired as a writer by a personal finance website because of my blog. I was initially hired for an internship then took a full-time job with the company a year later. And of course I wrote about it on my blog. Then a year later the company laid off half its employees so I no longer work there and I'm blogging/freelancing full-time.”

Case study #22: Even small blogs can lead to jobs

"Once I wanted another job, I realized that everything on my blog was perfectly aligned"Click To Tweet

Name: Mayank Batavia

Job acquired through blogging: Content Writer

Personal blog: Almostism

Mayank’s story:

“This how I landed two small freelancing gigs based on my blog.

I run a small blog Almostism where I write about AI and data privacy. While the blog is small, I rank #1 or #2 for niche keywords like “China AI action plan.” Also, I rank in various niches like 3D printing companies in India, ethical questions facing AI, and so on.

The first client asked me about my sample writing and I asked them to google “China AI action plan.” They thought it was neat and offered me a freelance writing project.

The second client I met on LinkedIn and I didn't even know they were looking for anything. We just exchanged some views on ethics in AI. After our very
brief discussion, they suggested I should write a blog on it 🙂 And I laughed and I said I already have one. They asked for a link to it. I shared the link. They asked me if I'd like to I'd write a brief writeup for their CEO's email interview and I got that too!”

Case study #23: Use a blog to demonstrate results you've achieved

'the best way to get a job outside of your qualification is to actually do the thing on the side and demonstrate the results you've achieved' (@thetraveltart)Click To Tweet

Name: Anthony Bianco

Job acquired through blogging: Content Specialist

Personal blog: The Travel Tart

Anthony’s story:

“I've landed a Content Specialist role in the past because of my blog. As an example, I have a background in Environmental Science, but now I do work in content and digital marketing because of my travel blog. That's because I'd picked up skills in website management, SEO, social media, PR etc. I think the best way to get a job outside of your qualification is to actually do the thing on the side and demonstrate the results you've achieved.”

Case study #24: Blog perspectives attract like-minded organizations

"I’m a blogger who was hired because of my online posts"Click To Tweet

Name: Kenny Screven

Job acquired through blogging: Peer Navigator

Personal blog: Kevin Screven's Instagram

Kenny’s story:

“I’m a blogger who was hired because of my online posts. A lot of the content I post online is geared towards LGBT+ advocacy and beauty. I was hired by an LGBT+ center that focuses on marginalized groups, who reached out to me to take control of their social media accounts and to teach queer kids about beauty. I was extremely happy to be offered this position because I would be able to impact people not just globally but locally as well. I really enjoy my job, it’s everything that I would want and they support my social media career as well. I was always afraid that if social media did not work out for me that no one in the professional world would take me serious because of the beauty content I post online.”

Case study #25: From hobby blogger to employee to agency owner

Name: Paul Bonea

Job acquired through blogging: Content Writer

Personal blog: Perfect Data

Paul’s story:

“Some years back I created a hobby blog, hastyreader.com. I didn't know much about blogging at the time, and only wrote stuff I thought was interesting. I ended up having little traffic.

As the months went by, I figured I liked doing this and started to apply to jobs that were blogging-related. I landed a job at a cybersecurity company as a content writer, after they saw and liked my blog.

I absorbed a lot of SEO, and after another year or so I switched jobs as a landing page copywriter, where I worked with conversion rates and also SEO. I didn't like the job, so I kept applying to other ones that were higher skilled. Most people turned me down for lack of experience.

I still kept hammering away at the keyboard for my blog and kept sending applications. A very small company that developed web products liked my blog and my pitch and decided to take a chance on me as the one-man marketing department. I learned a great deal at that company, and formed some nice contacts. I transformed those contacts into clients and soon enough I quit my job and started the Perfect Data agency.”

Case study #26: A blog shows off many skills companies need

"Having the blog showed my future employer that I had existing experience not just with writing high-quality content, but also in ranking on Google as well as basic project management skills"Click To Tweet

Name: Megan Marrs

Job acquired through blogging: Content Marketer

Personal blog: K9 of Mine

Megan’s story:

“I was able to get a content marketing position in part due to my successful blog – K9 of Mine – which I have been slowly developing over the years. Having the blog showed my future employer that I had existing experience not just with writing high-quality content, but also in ranking on Google with SEO techniques as well as basic project management skills (for times where I needed to work with graphic design contractors). Managing my own blog also helped me develop social media marketing and email marketing skills, all of which look very desirable to employers!”

Case study #27: How-to blog posts show employers you know how

Name: Jeff Moriarty

Job acquired through blogging: SEO Consultant

Personal blog: J Moriarty Marketing

Jeff’s story:

“I added an in-depth website migration blog post on my website which detailed the process in which, as an SEO, I went through with a website migration. It's been pretty popular in our industry and I have got a part time job from this post. While only part time, which is fine due to my other freelance work, it pays well due to my experience and it being exactly what they were looking for.”

Case study #28: Use a blog to grow a side gig into a full-time one

'If it weren't for the writing, SEO, and technical experience I already had from working on my own blog, I don't think I would have ever been considered for the position I now hold'Click To Tweet

Name: Dylan Houlihan

Job acquired through blogging: Blog Editor

Personal blog: Swift Salary

Dylan’s story:

“It originally started as just a small side gig. I found a job posting on Facebook for a couple of small brand description writeups and I used my blog as a sort of online resume when applying. This helped me land the first gig, and over time, I kept working with the company on bigger and bigger projects, until I eventually transitioned into a full-time role. If it weren't for the writing, SEO, and technical experience I already had from working on my own blog, I don't think I would have ever been considered for the position I now hold.”

Case study #29: Blog compliments lead to a job offer

"My blog writing definitely helped open the door to the job opportunity and illustrate my expertise"Click To Tweet

Name: Elizabeth Lefelstein

Job acquired through blogging: Lead SEO

Personal blog: Elizabeth Lefelstein

Elizabeth’s story:

“I was hired at FOX Networks (FOX, FOX Sports, FOX News/Nation) as the Lead SEO because of my blog. A recruiter reached out to me last November complimenting my SEO blog articles, and asked me if I was open for an immediate contractor position at FOX. After reading the description of the role, I thought it would be an amazing fit for my SEO skill set, as well as my interest in entertainment. However, I was very aware of the competition there would be to land this position.

Long story short, I shared some of my best news- and Google algorithm-update centric SEO articles with the hiring managers. They loved the pieces, and it was a great way for me to demonstrate my ability to break down advanced SEO ideas into layman's terms. Three days later, I got the job offer. It obviously wasn't 100% because of my blog writing, but it definitely helped open the door to the opportunity and illustrate my expertise.”

Case study #30: It all came from blogging

"My current career these days is thanks to my blogging work"Click To Tweet

Name: Chad R. Macdonald

Jobs acquired through blogging: Writer, Speaker, Advocate, Social Media Specialist

Personal blog: Gcandu.com

Chad’s story:

“So I started writing and blogging full time when our son was born. From that, I began getting offers to work, contribute to various sites, and consult for various groups and non-profit organizations. During that time, I also built up my social media presence, and that led to writing sponsored content and social media influence work. Basically my current career these days is thanks to my blogging work.”

Case study #31: Your blog as application material

"I attribute my entire career in digital marketing to my blog"Click To Tweet

Name: Emily Polner

Job acquired through blogging: Social Media Manager

Personal blog: No Repeats or Hesitations

Emily’s story:

“I attribute my entire career in digital marketing to my blog. I started my blog as a college student and leveraged it to get my first social media internship as a college sophomore. Years later, I heavily referenced it in my application materials and in my interviews when I applied to be the Social Media Manager for a global fashion brand, and ended up getting that position as well. I recently started sharing my blog posts to my LinkedIn feed and so far, it’s being very well-received by prospective, current, and former colleagues alike.”

Learn and copy their success

Blog Mastermind is a great course. Use it to learn how to quickly grow a blog so you can have the same success as the bloggers featured here.

Question of the article

If you have a blog, has it ever attracted any work opportunities? If you don't blog, why not? Tell us in the comments.

What others are saying

READ NEXT: 115+ Resources for Showing Off Your Work Skills

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Thursday, 23 January 2020

😁 Funniest Resume Skills Actually Seen On Real Resumes

Most job seekers mean well when it comes to listing skills on their resumes. All too often it's recruiters and us other readers who get the most benefit.

office floor golf tee
Photo by Hayden Dunsel

Everyone's seen those hilarious resume blunders coming from a single letter being out of place, typos that lead to “great pubic speaker”, “party-time assistant”, etc.

This list isn't about those.

This list is for the resume skills that job seekers are proud of enough to put on their resumes, and funny enough to leave you shaking your head or laughing out loud.

You be the judge. Enjoy!

Free bonus: The One Resume Resource You’ll Ever Need is a handy reference to make your resume get you more job interviews. Download it free now

Funny resume skills you're glad other people have

funniest resume skills 1

Via Quora:

  • 9/10 correct predictions for the Academy awards in 2010, 11/11 accurate predictions in 2011 and 12/13 correct in 2012
  • MS Office (only)
  • Googling
  • Can solve a Rubik's Cube in under a minute
  • Can drink a gallon of milk in 10 seconds
  • Special quality: can impress any girl with in 5 minutes
  • One applicant listed what their favorite sections of the local paper are. The sections weren't relevant to the job, and the paper's really not very good.
  • Adept in the fine art of pretzel folding
  • Cleaning up the dead bodies (from someone who had worked at an assisted living center for senior citizens)
  • Can recite Pi up to 500 digits
  • Skipped 111 times in a minute to consolidate the 2nd position in the Limca Book of Records
  • Always uses just the right amount of salt, no matter the shaker
  • Cocking pastas
  • Playing card games
  • Hangging with my friends and family
  • Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining composer
  • Experienced with numerous office machines and can make great lattes
  • Can charm anyone, even a pigeon
  • Solving puzzles
  • Exceptional poker player
  • Participated in Fusion dance number
  • Best Smile Award in Grade 8
  • Ghost in high school horror house

funniest resume skills 2

Via Reddit:

  • I work well with piers (guy was an exhibit builder)
  • Proficient at Facebook, Twitter, and email
  • Agility training with my dog
  • Can cook minute rice in 58 seconds
  • Able to say the ABCs backwards in under 5 seconds
  • I'm a big dude so I can handle myself in a fight
  • Experienced drinker & partier, so I'm comfortable working in environments with drunk people
  • Can hold five baseballs in one hand (“When the staff was all drunk one day someone called him and told the poor guy that if he could handle six balls in one hand, the job was his”)
  • Surviving

funniest resume skills 3

From 150 Funniest Resume Mistakes, Bloopers and Blunders Ever:

  • Cleaning skills: “bleaching, pot washing, window cleaning, mopping, e.t.c”
  • Strong Work Ethic, Attention to Detail, Team Player, Self Motivated, Attention to Detail
  • Can function without additional oxygen at 24,000 feet
  • I can type without looking at thekeyboard
  • I am a Notary Republic
  • I have integrity so I will not steal office supplies and take them home
  • I have technical skills that will take your breath away
  • Written communication = 3 years; verbal communication = 5 years
  • I've got a Ph.D. in human feelings
  • Being bilingual in 3 languages

Read Ann Litz‘s answer to What was the craziest thing you've ever seen or written in a resume or CV? on Quora


From 150 More Funniest Resume Mistakes, Bloopers and Blunders Ever:

  • Gator hunting
  • Calculator on sight
  • Sarcasm
  • Can make perfect velociraptor call
  • Riding a bicycle
  • In a computer skills section: Tiger Woods Golf
  • Skills: “Yeah I got ’em”
  • Main skills: creativity, bravery, arrogance, cleverness and honesty
  • Walking – I am very good at this

funniest resume skills 4

Funny resume skills from other sources:

  • I rarely get sick
  • Advanced Yo-Yo
  • So many spreadsheets
  • Understood (the movie) Interstellar
  • Am a perfectionist and rarely if if ever forget details
  • Quick at typing, about 30 words per minute, 45 with strong coffee
  • Gossiping
  • Fluent in English. Also I have been heard muttering Gibberish in my sleep
  • Extensive experience with foreign accents

funniest resume skills 5

Free bonus: How To Find Great Freelance Designers Anywhere is a quick read of case studies and takeaways from people who have done it, with resources to help. Download it free now

Question of the article

Which of the funny resume skills above made you laugh hardest? What's the funniest thing you've seen on a resume (yours or someone else's)? Tell us in the comments.

What others are saying

Bonus: Phoebe and Joey talk about his funny resume skills

READ NEXT: 21 Funny Resume Stories

Subscribe to JobMob via email and follow me on Twitter for more funny resume wackiness that's hard to believe.


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Thursday, 16 January 2020

♣ How To Find Job Clubs Near You

Kickstart a long job search or start a new search right by joining a job club, one of the most helpful things that many job seekers never think to do.

a few guys taking notes at an indoor picnic table
Photo by Dylan Gillis

My friend and executive resume writer Donna Svei calls job clubs “the top habit of exceptionally successful job seekers.”

In her article about job clubs, my friend and fellow job search expert Susan Joyce mentions how “a 2014 U.S. Department of Labor study found that job club participation increased job search success for members of the study from 22% (those with no club participation) to 74% (those who attended weekly meetings).”

I wish I had joined a job club back on my long job search in 2001-2002. It might have saved me from becoming job search depressed, and that search probably wouldn't have been nearly as long or as frustrating. Grrr.

What is a job club program?

A job club is a group of people who meet regularly with the common goal of finding a better job.

Often, a job club will be organized and lead by a career expert who will coach and teach members how to get better results, through activities such as proofreading your resume, helping you target employers and prepare for job interviews.

Job clubs are also meant to be job search moral support groups, helping job seekers through the ups and downs of their searches, and job clubs may also act as networking groups, where members share leads with each other.

While many job clubs are simply for local community job seekers, sometimes the club will be grouped differently, such as for a specific profession, industry, age group, people with autism, people with a disability… you name it.

If all this doesn't sound good to you, I'd love to hear why in the comments.

So where do you find local job clubs?

I've compiled a long list for you here below.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Free bonus: The One Resume Resource You’ll Ever Need is a handy reference to make your resume get you more job interviews. Download it free now

Global Directory: Over 50 Job Clubs From Around the World

Click a flag to jump to the job clubs in that country:

🇦🇺 🇨🇦 🇮🇪 🇳🇿 🇬🇧 🇺🇸

If you know  of any other job clubs that aren't already in the list, please suggest them in the comments below.

🇦🇺 Australia

  • The ILSC Voice – ILSC Language Schools has been offering language training programs to International students from more than 100 countries since 1991, and is the largest and longest running of ILSC Education Group’s 5 divisions, which also include Colleges, Teacher Training, Language Training for Business, and Continuing Education.
  • STEP Job Club – NOVA's STEP Job Club is an eight-week preparation for work program. It's run on an in-house basis at NOVA Offices for both registered and non-registered NOVA job seekers, and at participating High Schools.


🇨🇦 Canada

  • Skills for Change – Building Welcoming and Equitable Communities
  • Job Skills – Empowering YOU to get the job you want! Join the Club!
  • Aboriginal Futures' Job Club Program – Job Club is a group assisted job search program for individuals looking to find employment. Participants will explore the hidden job market, build relationships with employers, learn how to get results with the use of today's technology and participate in interview coaching.
  • Autism Job Club – Autism Job Club meets twice a month for peer-to-peer support of its members and member parents… providing professional guidance towards finding employment!


🇮🇪 Ireland

  • Castle Blayney – an information resource for residents and visitors to Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.
  • Donegal Local Development CLG. – Supporting our Communities (DLDC) is a community led local development organisation.
  • Portlaoise Jobs Club – provides training to help you prepare to find a suitable job, access suitable training or education opportunities.
  • Northside Partnership – Jobs Club is part of our Local Employment Service. It offers a two-week programme which helps people who are looking for work with their: Motivation, CV preparation, Interview techniques, Communication skills
  • Nenagh Job Club (outreach to Roscrea and Thurles) – Nenagh Job Club has a range of resources available to you that are designed to assist you in making sound, informed decisions about your career.
  • Job Club Locations from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection


🇳🇿 New Zealand

  • CAP Job Clubs – A welcoming club that provides practical help, personal coaching and a group of friends to support people back into work.
  • Worldwide School of English's Job Club – We will provide you with information about working in New Zealand. Areas of employment include: Restaurants, Cafes, Hotels, Shops, Supermarkets, Travel/Tour Agencies and tourism operators. We also offer Career Counselling, CV Preparation, Interview Skills Training and Application for an New Zealand Tax (IRD) Number. We will teach you about NZ labour laws, what your rights are, rates of pay etc.


🇬🇧 United Kingdom

  • Coventry Vineyard CAP Job Club – a friendly place where you will get practical help as you seek employment. It's a relaxed environment with the chance to meet other jobseekers, get support and gain the tools you need to find work.
  • The Unity Centre Job Club – We are now running a weekly job club at The Unity Centre, every Friday 12-2pm. Pop in for help with CV’s, job searching, interview skills and more!
  • M3 Job Club – Activate you charity profile today! Publicise your appeals, Receive legacy appeals, Advertise for goods, Find volunteers, Share news and photos, Add a donation link to the page of your choice.
  • Bracknell Open Learning Centre Job Club – Every Thursday from 9:30am to 4pm. At the Bracknell Open Learning Centre.
  • The Mead Job Club – This event is running from 27 June 2018 until 3 June 2020.
  • Camberley Central Job Club in Knoll Road – The sessions are held every Monday from 10am to 12pm at High Cross Church, Knoll Road, Camberley, GU15 3SY. For more information, contact Murray Rowlands on 01276 27367.
  • The foundation for jobseekers‘ 4 job clubs:
  • Slade Green Big Local Job Club – Come meet our friendly team. Free back to work support. Free digital skills training. Free welfare benefit advice. Every Wednesday from 12pm to 3pm at St. Augustine's Church Hall Slade Green Road, Erith, DA8 2HX
  • The CAP Job Club at East Side of York -Having opened a successful job club in Acomb, the CAP Job Club is now offering a free service in the east side of York to help equip people with the tools and skills to find work.The job club starts at 1pm this Friday at Tang Hall Community Library in Fifth Avenue.
  • The Gateway Church CAP Job Club – The Job Club takes place at our office, 99c High Street, Kings Lynn, on Tuesdays from 10am (except school holidays). Please call 01553 774881 or 0800 3280006 to book into the Job Club or for more information. Alternatively you can email Mike at mikeikwuagwu@thegatewaychurch.info.
  • Clementswood Baptist Church – The Church is now offering free weekly workshops to boost the job-hunting process for unemployed people by equipping them with the tools, skills and confidence to find work.To find out more about Christians Against Poverty Job Clubs or to book your place visit capjobclubs.org to book a place telephone 0800 3280006.
  • CAP Job Clubs – Your local CAP Job Club meets weekly. You’ll follow an eight week course that will give you all the tools you need to find work, from writing a CV that employers won’t be able to resist, to brushing up on those all important interview skills. Our Job Clubs are completely free.
  • Bardsley Work Club – A friendly welcome and help with online job searches and job applications, CV writing, interview skills, motivation and confidence building for anyone unemployed. One to one support available. Bardsley HouseHill Top CoventryCV1 5EP, 07723 055 736
  • Foleshill Baptist Church – Employment advice and support via Citizens Advice, weekly. Contact Tim Rees at 024 7668 9000 or email at enquiries@foleshill.org.uk
  • Holbrooks Community Care Association Weekly Job Club – Weekly job club – Online job search CV production and updating Complete online applications. Contact Julie-Ann Booth at 024 7663 8681 or email hcca@btconnect.com.
  • St Oswalds Church Hall Tile Hill Job Club – Come to our new, friendly, independent and free job club to support you finding work. Internet and computer access available. Contact Dawn Easthope at 07512 924401 or email stoswald.tilehill@gmail.com.
  • WATCH Employment Advice Centre – Victoria Street – A job club, offering application writing skills, CV writing, interview training, media skills, broadcasting and experience of running a community radio. Contact Trisha Evans at 024 7655 0564 or email reception@watchcharity.org.uk
  • Deaf Umbrella CIC Programme – Fully funded and sponsored by Deaf Umbrella we bring you pre-employment support for Deaf people. Tuesdays from 9:30 to 12:30 and from 1 to 4pm we provide BSL support workers to assist members of the London and South East region (Kent) deaf community to engage with employment activities.


🇺🇸 United States

  • Cook Inlet Tribal Council Youth Job club – To participate, you must be signed up with CITC youth employment services. You must be Alaska Native/American Indian and meet low income requirements. To sign up call (907)793-3114 or email youthemployment@citci.org.
  • ADDA Job Seekers' Club – This group was so successful last year that we brought it back by popular demand. ADDA is offering a support program for people with ADHD who are seeking employment. Join us on Wednesday evenings for ADDA’s Job Seekers Club.
  • Camberley & District Job Club – For a more personal session tailored to your exact requirements, a 1-2-1 appointment can be made for a Thursday. If you wish to make an appointment, please Contact Us through our email address: CDJobClub@gmail.com. Opening Times: Monday 10.30 – 12.30
  • The HOPE Program Job Club – HOPE Graduates Are Encouraged To Participate In Job Club Until They Secure Employment. Job Club Hours: Monday 9 AM – 3 PM and Wednesday 9 AM – Noon
  • Skills & Learning Adult Community Education – We are the largest provider of high quality, free Job Clubs in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole. These are drop-in sessions where our friendly staff will help you on your road to work. They will work with you to develop your skills so that you can move closer to the job you want.For more information on any of the above or to make an appointment with a learning adviser, or careers adviser, please telephone the Customer Service Team at Skills & Learning Bournemouth, Dorset & Poole on 01202 262300 | 01305 819059 or email infopal@poole.gov.uk.
  • Job Club RI – Job Club RI strengthens the employability of unemployed and underemployed job seekers by providing them with community-based group and individualized job search support, counseling, networking and placement services, and thereby benefiting the New England community.
  • Central Kentucky Job Club – Looking to make a career transition? Are you underemployed or out of work? Central Kentucky Job Club is a free workshop open to the public and brought to you by The University of Kentucky Alumni Association, Fayette County Cooperative Extension Service, and the UK Human Resources Staff Career Development. Job Club meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Business attire is encouraged. Location & Time: Fayette County Extension Office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way Lexington, KY
    (Formerly Red Mile Place, just off Red Mile Road), 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month 9-10:15 a.m.
  • Lisle Township Job Club – We meet every Wednesday at the Community Career Center in Naperville at 10:30 AM; one Friday of every month (except November and December) at the Lisle Library Conference Room (Coffee is always provided) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Check Lisle Library Event Calendar for the exact date: www.lislelibrary.org?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss or by email with Sarah at sarahb@lisletownship.com).
  • WorkNet DuPage Career Center Job Club – Friday Job Club is a great opportunity to network with other job seekers and share job lead information, as well as to get advice and guidance from Jim Fergle, our Employment Services Manager. Participants support one another offering input, sharing experiences, becoming LinkedIn contacts, and providing words of encouragement. FRIDAY JOB CLUB IS HELD TWICE MONTHLY, FROM 8:30 AM TO 12:00 NOON.
  • HIREDTexas Job Club – HiredTexas is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We help job seekers looking for career opportunities in Central Texas. The Texas Workforce Commission recognizes meetings for Hired Texas, including our forums, classes and Career Action Teams, as job search activities for Unemployment Insurance. Tuesday – 10:00 AM, Grace Presbyterian Church, 1705 Gattis School Road, Round Rock, TX 78664
  • 40Plus of Greater Washington -Monday Speakers meetings are open to the public and free of charge. You are cordially invited to attend.Each meeting features a speaker who covers topics of interest to those who are involved in or contemplating a job search or career change. The meeting begins with a networking session at 9:45 AM. We ask everyone to be seated by 9:55 AM so that the speaker can start promptly at 10:00 AM. No reservations are needed. Come network with 40Plus members, other guests, and the speaker. The meeting is also an opportunity for anyone who is considering joining 40Plus to see and experience our organization.
  • CareerWise – As a part of QSAC’s network of skill development groups, we launched CareerWise. This group provides support, guidance, networking opportunities, and training for individuals with disabilities who are currently employed or are searching for employment. CareerWise is a free service and meets on a bi-weekly basis.
  • Jersey Job Club – The Jersey Job Club gives you the tools and support you need to find a job. We’ll help you develop new skills and improve on skills you already have. There are 23 Jersey Job Clubs throughout New Jersey.
  • The DC Center – The DC LGBT Center educates, empowers, celebrates, and connects the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.
  • Caterina's Club – A career exploration and job training opportunity for at-risk teenagers, preventing the cycle of homelessness. Desperate to learn the skills and abilities needed to get a job in hospitality? Then we are here to help!
  • The Chicago Light House Job Club – Job Club hosts weekly support sessions to educate individuals who are unemployed or underemployed about job readiness, networking, professional etiquette and employment resources. Business attire is mandatory to attend. Sessions are held weekly on Mondays, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
  • DC Latino Job Clubs – The International Association of Latino-American Professionals (IALAP) & El Camino Career Services Invite you to join a FREE Latino Job Club that speaks YOUR language! We meet monthly to discuss different topics which are pertinent to your professional needs. El Camino Career Services en Wheaton Plaza Westfield Building South 11002 Veirs Mill Road, Suite #700 ~ Wheaton MD 20902 near Wheaton metro, and close to the JCPenny.
  • Career Connect Coffee Club – Join other career seekers to network, become re-energized and get tips on marketing yourself. It's also a great opportunity to practice and get feedback on your ‘elevator speech' – that 60 second commercial that lets people know who you are and who your target companies are.
  • The Job Forum – The Job Forum is a volunteer-run, free, community service where local managers and career experts have helped thousands of job seekers become more confident and successful in their hunt for their next great job in the San Francisco Bay Area.. Attend The Job Forum in San Francisco – Every Wednesday evening 6:30 to 8:30 pm – FREE.
  • Youngstown Area Goodwill – Weekly job club is held to provide information on contacting employers, the local labor market, benefits, employment policies and practices, and job matches. Direct referrals attend classes in job seeking skills that include employment application preparation, interview techniques and resume development. The instructor and job placement specialist work together to ensure an easy transition to the world of work.
  • JVS – Over the past 40 years, JVS has helped 80,000 people build in-demand skills and make connections to find jobs and strengthen our Bay Area community.
  • Workforce Development Board of Solano County – The WDB oversees federally-funded workforce services through the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 on behalf of Solano County. Services include the American Job Center of California System, called the Solano Employment Connection in Solano County, and intensive programs to support the talent development of the county.
  • Jobs Driven Networking Group (Wheaton, IL) – This is for: Job Seekers: People looking for connections, leads, and networking skills. Job Givers: Employers with job openings or employees of companies offering referral bonuses to help fill their company’s job openings. Job Havers: People who are currently employed wanting to keep their networks strong for business opportunities and potential future job searches. Since the average employment tenure is less than 3 years, you’ll likely need a strong network someday. Start building it here!

Where else can you find a job club to join?

Didn't find a job club near you in the list?

There are plenty of other places to look:

  1. Google “job club near me” or “job search clubs near me” or “job club [YOUR LOCATION]” (e.g. “job club nyc”)
  2. Check out job club finders such as CareerOneStop‘s (USA only)
  3. Look on social media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
  4. Ask a career coach to form one
  5. Start one yourself, perhaps by posting on a local bulletin board or in local Facebook groups
  6. Search for a virtual / online job club

Free bonus: How To Find Great Freelance Designers Anywhere is a quick read of case studies and takeaways from people who have done it, with resources to help. Download it free now

Question of the article

Have you ever been in a job club? If so, what was it like? If not, why not? Tell us in the comments.

What others are saying

READ NEXT: ☕ 37 Ways to Meet People Who Can Refer You to Jobs

Subscribe to JobMob via email and follow me on Twitter for ideas about the best job search clubs, materials and activities.


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