Blogging has grown up. Once the domain of teenagers sharing their personal lives online to friends and onlookers, now big business is stepping in. On this Blog and others in the job seeking space, there are links to corporations that have adopted the use of Blogs as a means of sharing their cultural environment, warts and accolades.

Recent articles in the Wall Street Journal and NY Times (Eilene Zimmerman) discuss the role of Blogs for jobseekers.

I have not seen evidence *yet* of jobseekers using Blogs to "directly" promote themselves, however there are many examples of companies using it to attract jobseekers attention. The economy is shifting and corporations are entering the mode of "selling" themselves to attract the right people. Blogs are an ideal way of meeting this objective.

However, to be successful, the Corporate Blog needs credibility and the author must be willing to share not only the great and good, but also some of the "less good" aspects of the company. It must be real or it will come across as a cheesy infomercial.

For jobseekers, I would advise creating a Blog that allows you to showcase your particular skill and interest. If you are in the marketing space, write about new initiatives and interesting facets of marketing. It allows you to become a subject matter expert that may appeal to employers. When I was in the transition-zone (before Blogs), I provided samples of my writing on Project Management issues (and posted these on my website). They added to my credibility and helped to draw interest and attention. A well-written and insightful Blog is an indirect tool for your job search and career advancement.

And as I have seen for myself, with my three Blogs and various guest authorships, it has opened doors for me. Blogs are powerful and a valuable tool for both the jobseeker, the professional and the corporation.