Blog Your Way to a New Career

Finding the right career is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity. And opportunities to find the right job are significantly increased when you are connected and actively networking. So, why not consider blogging as the launching pad to a new career?

Last year Fast Company.com published an intriguing article by Leslie Taylor titled, "How to Launch a Career With Your Blog". It opens with...

"Silicon Valley start-ups and media behemoths aren't the only ones realizing the rewards of the rebounding Web economy. Already, many A-list bloggers have generated significant income from running advertisements on their blogs. Though with an estimated 53.4 million blogs expected to launch by year-end, according to Perseus Development Corporation, it's safe to assume that not everyone is going to get rich from blogging. So what's in it for the up-and-coming blogger, beyond creative self-expression?..."

To read the entire article, click here.

Six Tips to Getting The Job Interview

About two weeks ago I posted a job ad on CraigsList.org and the response was amazing. I have over 100 applicants. So, how do I filter through all the resumes and decide which 5-6 to interview? Here are my tips for getting the interview.

1) Send a resume specific to the job you seek. Yes, it takes 15-30 minutes to move content around, change some text and highlight particular skills, but it pays off. Make the job match jump out to the person reading your resume. Don't send generic resumes to 50 companies...send specific resumes to the five jobs you are really interested in. For advice on how to customize your resume to the job, click here.

2) Include a cover letter with the resume. Even if it's just a couple short paragraphs in the email (with the resume attached), take the time to write why you are interested in this job and what makes you a qualified candidate. For more information on how to write a great cover letter, see this advice from Trinity College.

3) Research the company and add something in your cover letter that indicates you've done your research. Employers like to know that you care about their industry and, more importantly, their company. Show that you know the company by including something specific about it in your cover letter.

4) Follow up with the person who received your resume. Don't be a pest, but make a follow-up phone call or send an email to express your continued interest in the position. Employers are busy. Give them a reason to remember you.

5) Focus on what you have to offer, not what you need. Remember, you are just trying to get the interview. Wait until you are nearer to a job offer before you discuss what you need from job. Salary, benefits, work hours, etc. can all wait until after you get that interview. Here is some great advice on JuriStaff.com regarding when and how to negotiate salary.

6) Be flexible with your availability for interviews. If you really want the job, go out of your way to be available when the employer wants to meet. Remember, she probably has other applicants eager for an interview, so don't make scheduling difficult.

Coryan Update: Revised Launch Date

My plans to launch Listonga.com on January 1st are looking disappointing. The learning curve for good web design is tougher than I had anticipated, and my work has been slow. Just a few hours of work each night has not produced the results I was hoping for. The content is building too slowly to think I will be ready by January 1st. So now I'm considering a mid to late January launch (or possible later).

Also, I registered for a community college course on web design. It will be interesting. I've not taken a class that was graded since 1988! My son also registered for classes at the same time. Funny thing - he didn't want to be in any class that I was in.