Resume/portfolio question (blogging)

Several years ago, while in between jobs, I kept a blog, hoping to use it to find another job. Well, it didn't play a part in getting my next job but I stumbled across it recently and the writing isn't bad.

Since I don't have a lot of clips otherwise, would it behoove me to use it as a writing sample if I applied for something else? Would you hire someone who used a personal blog as a writing sample?

Sorry, mods, I meant to post this in journalism topics. Can it be moved?

 

I'm cringing a little, but I'm old-school and like to see published clips along with the resume and some kind of e-mailed "cover letter." I guess it depends on the subject -- does the blog directly relate to the job opening? -- and level of professionalism.

One plus: you (most likely) didn't have an editor, so whatever is there is actually all your work. Knowing how much a good editor helps, it'd be a good way to judge your flat-out reporting and writing skills.

 

I was in the newspaper business for more than 20 years but when I applied for a corporate communicatoins job, I included two writing samples from my personal blog for variety. One was an attempt at humor and they seemed to like that best.

 

Agree with Ace. If you're going outside the media world, any writing sample will suffice. I've turned in Word docs of not-yet-published articles and they've done the trick.

 

My issue with a blog for a sports writer position would be whether there's actual reporting being done or if it's just opinion. It's nice seeing that someone can write, but I'd want to know if they can get a story, too. A lot of personal blogs don't give you that. I could maybe see it as part of a portfolio with other work samples, but if it was all someone had, I wouldn't give a lot of weight to it.