Now I don’t know about you but it really annoys me when I hear people bang on about how being a blogger/influencer/social media star doesn’t mean you’re qualified to take those skills (usually self taught by the way) and apply them to real jobs in the real life world. So many righteous people on Twitter seem to proclaim that running your own social media channels doesn’t mean you can run the social media accounts for a brand. Or how teaching yourself SEO to optimise your own little site doesn’t mean you’re qualified to ensure a massive corporate site is optimised to the max.
And I want to say to all those people that they’re wrong. Because you can do all of those things. You can absolutely take these skills that you’ve taught yourself *thanks Google* and apply them to bagging yourself a job in the digital marketing world. Because that’s exactly what I did. And I want to share with you all how blogging helped me bag me my dream job.
Now for those of you who don’t know, I work in Digital Marketing for one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers. And I love it. It’s a senior role that is demanding but also incredibly rewarding. And it’s a job I really wouldn’t have blagged without my blog.
But let’s rewind a little. Growing up I was never one of those kids who knew what they wanted to do. I didn’t want to be a teacher, a nurse or a vet, I just wanted to work and earn money. I didn’t mind what it was I was doing.
At 18 I headed off to University to read Politics (I know, but I promise I’m not one of *those* political people. I’m actually alright) I spent a year working in Marketing for a construction company during my placement year and then when I graduated, I went off to work in PR in London. It was fun and chaotic at the same time. And it was during these crazy London PR days that I decided to start my blog. I’d read blogs religiously for the past year and a half and finally had the balls to start my own.
So in 2012 Merry Musing was born, and that kick-started a huge journey and a massive learning curve into suddenly having to teach myself so many new skills. I think a lot of people who read blogs probably don’t understand or appreciate the amount of hats you have to wear as a blogger. You’re the content creator, the social media manager, the photographer, the SEO specialist, the analytics expert, the writer, the planner and editor all rolled into one. It’s exhausting at times!
And back when I started blogging, those skills were completely alien to me. I was working in PR trying to convince journalists to write about my client’s product. SEO didn’t mean anything to me. Social media was still in its infancy for bloggers and brands. And my first blog pictures were taken on my iPhone 4.
So how did I make the jump from working in PR to working in Digital Marketing? Well, with a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck I managed to make it happen. I’ve never been shy about putting my blog out there. And I’ve included it on my CV for years. Back in 2014 I was looking for a new PR and Communication role. AHow blogging bagged me my dream jobnd the company I applied for happened to mention at my second interview that there was actually a role going in their Digital Marketing team. And despite not having a whole bunch of digital experience in the work place. I did have a little experience through my blog combined with a huge passion for the industry. That was enough to convince them to let me have the digital job.
And now five years later. I’ve finally become one of those people who know what they want to be when they grow up. Digital Marketing is the only career for me. It’s exciting, constantly evolving and a chance to put my creative and analytic skills to the test. If it wasn’t for my blog, I’m not sure I would be in the position I’m in today. I genuinely love my job. Of course it frustrates the hell out of me too. But that’s what having a job is like. I just can’t help my thank my past self for finally getting the balls to start this blog and commit to it religious for the past six, almost seven, years. As without this, who knows what job I’d be in.
So let me know in the comments if your blogging skills have led to you bagging yourself your dream job.
Great post! I think people forget how many skills are needed to be a successful blogger.
They certainly have! I always wanted to be a writer and although I’ve taken the roundabout way of getting here, I am now doing the job I always wanted to do.
Blogging has bagged me my dream job as can now work from anywhere in the world. I am a proud to be a full-time blogger!
It is so wonderful that you have used your blog as a platform to help you get the job of your dream. Congratulations to you!!
Although not the biggest, my blog has also helped me bag several jobs! I got hired on 2 separate occasions as a social media executive just down to my blog! I also got a job in a high end retailer because of my passion for my blog too! I think employers see owning a blog as passion, hard work and resilience which is amazing! Hopefully my blog will help me secure more jobs in the future!
Well done you! also, I love your outfit! I think I have the same jacket from River Island?
That is fab to hear! Good for you and congratulations xx
becoming a fun time blogger would definitely be my dream job.
This was inspirational to read! I am so shy about my blog, but I suppose that’s so stupid and it’s a massive showcase of my skills. I suppose blogging is so competitive that you don’t necessarily think you actually have “skills” which is a real shame. I’ll have to try and push myself.