See also - Blogging can hurt your employability 1

I was sitting in the waiting room at the Doctors this morning reading an old copy of Cosmopolitan; well I'd never buy a copy - far too raunchy for me!  I noticed they now run a section on careers and Corrine Dauncey a careers expert with www.tiptopjob.com gave some good advice on answering the question ‘To blog or not to blog?

The case for blogging

Blogs allow people with similar interests to network and exchange ideas, look at the rise of message boards where you can post details of almost any problem and receive advice instantly!

A blog can be a useful way to gather and promote your portfolio, not only to potential employers but also to people who can provide information about leads and opportunities.  Recently the online recruitment company JobServe estimated that some 80% of IT jobs are never advertised.  Potential candidates are approached directly or colleagues, friends or networkers recommend people.

What to be wary of when blogging

Be very afraid of legal implications, and never name or shame your employer or say anything about anybody that can be taken as libellous.  Just because you dislike someone don’t assume the whole world either wants to know or shares your view.

Don’t be negative about your current employer or they may become your prior employer.  Airing a grievance in a blog is not a smart move at all.  Reporting factually is acceptable as long as the facts can be verified and they are in the public domain.  Also, remember that sometimes what we don’t say, speaks volumes about what we think.

Never blog at work.  It’s too tempting to share those little secrets and to mention those little rumours.  Blog at home or after working hours when you can look objectively at what you write and their implications.

Be wary of giving your opinion – not everyone will agree with you and you might find the manager who is considering you for a new position is offended by what you wrote, people are easily offended after all.

Recently I blogged on here about SWIFT, and apart from the fact that over 800 people took the time to read what I had said, the blog itself drew a lot of unexpected responses.  I had offered anyone who was interested a copy of the spreadsheet I had used to calculate some projections I used and I got over 200 requests, 16 exchanges of information and ideas, 12 messages from old colleagues and friends I had lost touch with, 3 messages from strange men who wanted to meet up with me and 2 complaints about my grammar and 1 message from someone to whom I owed some money - now paid. 

Ethical blogs allow us to share our experiences and to invite comment and opinion, they help us communicate with friends, family, colleagues and networkers, so be nice, honest and truthful.  If you are worried someone might see your blog – you probably shouldn’t have one.