What you are currently reading is a blog, a form of expression that allows users to share their ideas across a digital landscape. Bloggers post pictures, videos, recipes, or stories about their life, or interests. Not since the invention of the printing press has a form of technology had such a profound impact on the written word. Simply stated, the blog is brilliant.

For this post, I want to speak directly to those seeking employment. Those with a steady gig are encouraged to read on, but for today, my focus is on my unemployed friends.

Ladies and gentleman, you face an uphill battle. No matter if you are fresh out of college or a decorated veteran of the marketing battlefield, you are no match for the weakened economy. Companies are now carefully considering every hiring decision and only those with the perfect set of tools make the cut. So, let’s add another tool to your belt.

You need a blog. This is not a suggestion – it’s an order. Pick a topic you are passionate about and start writing. The topic is of less importance than the quality of your writing. Your goal is to be engaging, sound smart, and show your worth.

A blog is a powerful tool because of its ability to display worth. Posting regularly shows you are dedicated and diligent. And, in addition to displaying your writing abilities, it also shows a potential employer you’re in tune with an ever-changing online community.

Blogging is a gateway that provides invaluable training on how to interact with others through a number of different channels. For instance, you will learn how to leverage Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon, and other platforms to push your message and attract readers to your site. Additionally, by maintaining a blog, you will discover the intricacies of data analytics and how they correlate with your content. Most importantly, you gain the ability to speak fluently about new media marketing. Recruiters or potential employers at communications firms drool over candidates that require little training in these areas.

During my time as a high school football coach, I often told my players, “put yourself in the best position to win.” The advice: While the situation will rarely be ideal, with the right skills or mentality, you will make that play. This same idea holds true for gaining employment.

Blogging will put you in the best position to win. Add your blog URL to your resume and always carry hard copies of your most popular posts to interviews. Professionalize your blog and maybe think about posting about industry-related content. Finally, keep screen shots of your blog’s progress and don’t be scared to show these during an interview.

Remember: the emphasis is on not really on the topic. It’s on the opportunity to share your thoughts and showcase your knowledge about the changing digital landscape. Your worth is at your fingertips, so be brilliant and start blogging.

@AaronEstabrook

For college journalism/communications majors looking toward graduation, this is a confusing, even frightening time. There is much uncertainty out there. That’s why when I spoke yesterday to a group of Miami of Ohio University students at Qorvis, I was impressed with the demeanor, intelligence and seeming unconcern they had about their employment prospects. They are part of an Inside Washington, Miami University of Ohio program that introduces them to the nation’s capital by having them meet and talk with political leaders as well as journalists and communications’ professionals.

They are aware of the tight job market for journalists. From the thoughtful questions they asked, however, they clearly are focusing on the art of effective communications. They are well aware of the rapidly changing information environment and asked about the impact of social media and where technology is going. They want to know what to expect and how to master what exists and what is coming.

I pointed out that at Qorvis, understanding and effectively using every aspect of the Internet and social media world has become one of the most important communications areas of service to our clients. There are specialists on the Qorvis staff that constantly keep up with rapidly advancing technologies. Where all of this world of blogs and social networking will go is anyone’s guess, but I found reassuring that it was premier on the minds of the Miami students.

As a veteran journalist, I felt on more solid ground when I said that one of the key factors in being a good communicator in journalism, public relations, or in any other profession, is the ability to write. I said I am appalled at the number of young college graduates who don’t keep up with the news and who show little interest in writing.

At Qorvis, we are so concerned about writing that we regularly bring in journalists who teach on the college level to lecture and teach effective, clear writing. Even many of the writing veterans on the staff found it refreshing and informative to talk about writing and to brush up on what they can do.

I also mentioned our company’s “Qorvis University“ program in which language, political science, even fun things like wine lectures, are offered to make our employees confident and sophisticated working in a demanding environment like Washington, DC. For that, I explained, they needed to keep up on the news events of the world and that it isn’t keeping up with the news by relying on information from the Colbert Report.

The Miami University group was impressive and asked insightful, informed questions, some I found hard to answer. This is a group that will not have to worry about employment prospects when they go out into the market place.

Following an event for our pro bono client, the Creative Coalition, which launched the new NBC show The Philanthropist, Pamela Sorenson had some nice things to say about Qorvis. Thanks!