Blogs as a supplement to resumes

March 7, 2007

Somewhat off-topic here, but an interesting thread. It is being argued that blogs are a valuable way to augment resumes: Are blogs the new resumes?

Imagine you are a prospective employer, and you can compare two identical candidates. The first candidate has simply handed you a 2 page resume + 1 page cover letter. The second candidate has done the same, but they have also included a link to their blog. Now, further imagine that although the blog gives a more detailed picture, it does not change your opinion of the second candidate.

Which candidate would you choose? My guess is that you would choose the blogger simply because they are a known quantity.

With more physicians, nurses, and hospital CEOs blogging, will it eventually be harmful professionally not to have a blog? (via Business Filter)

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{ 7 comments }

1 Anonymous March 7, 2007 at 3:46 pm

I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say it will be harmful “not” to.

At this point, it’s still potentially harmful to have a blog. If you’re going around adding your blog site to your resume, you better be darn sure you haven’t said anything that might limit your employment potential.

I think there are obviously exceptions. The more famous bloggers should use their blog on their resume. But the “little guy” might want to think twice.

-Parcho

2 Anonymous March 7, 2007 at 4:29 pm

It would definitely depend on the content of the blog and how well it’s written.

Even one or two entries with spelling and grammar errors or heavy on rants and snarking could potentially be the kiss of death.

It also depends on the attitude of the company you’re interviewing at. My employer’s policy is that no one can blog about the company in any way, shape or form, even if the blogger is saying good things about his/her work, coworkers, client/patients, etc. It’s all equally off limits. An employer with this type of policy could potentially see someone who blogs as a risky candidate to hire.

I don’t think the world is enlightened enough for us. ;)

3 The Doctor Job March 7, 2007 at 5:25 pm

It is one thing when you’re dealing with a hospital or health care management system.

But when it comes to professionals, physicians rank among the lowest who are technologically capable. So many practices don’t use email or the Internet on a regular basis. Making the assumption that this type of group will review your blog resume would be foolhardy. So while it may not hurt, I think the amount of times it will help is still minimal.

4 Betsy Baumgartner March 7, 2007 at 7:38 pm

Blogs can be beneficial to an interview, but you better be darn certain you have written nothing you would be ashamed of seeing on the front page of the New York Times.

5 Bernard March 7, 2007 at 8:30 pm

IT could work both ways. But generally, I think that since you blog about what’s on your mind, it gives the potentioal employer an idea of what is in there. ;-)

Happy Blogging. And Happy International Women’s Day!

6 The Independent Urologist March 8, 2007 at 8:19 am

It gives me nochus to feel that I may be at the cutting edge of anything, outside of my profession. And to think my wife still thinks of me as a fuddy-duddy.

7 Resume Writing Services December 15, 2008 at 5:07 pm

With the advent of Web 2.0 bringing with it applications like Facebook, LinkedIn and mainly blogs, our digital footprints all over the internet, head-hunters can now integrate a web search into their screening processes. Therefore to stay a step ahead of the job seeker market, a prospective applicant should ensure to build a solid web presence.

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