Even ProBlogger Knows That Blogging is Great for Students

Cover via Amazon

In case you aren't aware of who ProBlogger is (and really, there's no major reason why you should know this unless  you are already into blogging), ProBlogger is the blog of Darren Rowse, a highly respected professional blogger.  He lives off of the income that he makes from his blogs and his books about blogging.

Anyway, the point is that  blogging is good for students and it can help you get a job!  I've written about this in the past and ProBlogger agrees with me!

Today, Micheal White guest posted about 8 Reasons Why Students Should Blog and he made some really good points that reinforces what I've already said.

Students should be worried about their job prospects. I am. Competition is rife and the top advertised jobs receive hundreds of applications. Our work experiences are not just being challenged by a surge of candidates, but our very degrees are being questioned.

Surely you understand what he's saying.  You go to an interview and the interviewer wants to know what kind of education you really have.  They want to know about the reputation of your school.  They want to know how you can apply what  you have learned in the real world.

The truth is, the employer is likely looking you up online before they even call you in for the interview so why not give them something good to find?  Why not take control of what interviewers are finding?  Why leave it up to search engine robots who will just give them your latest tweets rather than give them something of value?

Should you start a blog?  Are  you ready to display your knowledge?

Ask This Question at the Interview: "Do You Have a Social Media Policy"

Image via CrunchBase

Do you know what a social media policy is?

A social media policy (also called a social networking policy)  is a corporate code of conduct that provides guidelines for employees who post content on the Internet either as part of their job or as a private person. - Search Compliance

Many businesses have them now or have them in development and this is a good thing for employers and employees.  It lets employees know exactly what is and is not acceptable.  It lets employees know what is expected of them.  And it protects employers from social media backlash.

This is a great question to ask at an interview because it shows the employers several things:

• That  you are able to ask thoughtful questions
• That you are aware of the impact that social media can have on a company
• That you are willing to evaluate your social media use and the impact it can have on a company
• That you are already considering things that you may have to be aware of if you get the job

So, next time you are at an interview and the interviewer asks you if you have any questions, don't shake your head no and look in your lap.  Ask if they have a social media policy.  You may even be able to review if you are offered the job and wan to take some time to consider.

The Most Popular Posts of 2011

I thought it might be interesting to share the most popular posts of the last year.  If you haven't read them yet, check out these well read posts:

Robertson Reader: What Is Getting In the Way of Reaching Your Goals?
http://www.robertsonreader.com/2011/08/what-is-getting-in-way-of-reaching-your.html

Robertson Reader: I Just Lost My Job - Now What?
http://www.robertsonreader.com/2011/12/i-just-lost-my-job-now-what.html

Robertson Reader: My Career Search Instructor Gave Me Confidence
http://www.robertsonreader.com/2011/05/my-career-search-counselor-gave-me.html

Robertson Reader: The Top 5 Mistakes People Make Using Social Media
http://www.robertsonreader.com/2011/11/top-5-mistakes-people-make-using-social.html

Robertson Reader: Gaps In Your Resume - Here’s 7 Ways to Explain Them
http://www.robertsonreader.com/2011/08/gaps-in-your-resume-heres-7-ways-to.html

Robertson Reader: Weekend Reading #14: 15 Great Reads to Keep You Busy
http://www.robertsonreader.com/2011/12/weekend-reading-15-great-reads-to-keep.html

Robertson Reader: Should You Leave Your New Job?
http://www.robertsonreader.com/2010/11/should-you-leave-your-new-job.html

Robertson Reader: Career Change in Your 40's and 50's
http://www.robertsonreader.com/2011/02/career-change-in-your-40s-and-50s.html

Robertson Reader: Career Blogging 101 - Getting People to Your Blog (Part 1: Blog Commenting)
http://www.robertsonreader.com/2011/06/career-blogging-101-getting-people-to.html

Robertson Reader: Do You Send Thank You Letters After the Interview?
http://www.robertsonreader.com/2011/10/do-send-thank-you-letters-after.html