No matter how well you covered your bases in the candidate interview and selection process, the hiring decision is almost always a gamble. You don’t get a true glimpse of how an individual employs their credentials until they come to work. Yet today’s hiring managers have the transparency of the internet, Web 2.0 and social media networks on their side. These resources and tools provide an insider glimpse at a candidate’s online reputation.

Most job seekers these days recognize the importance of networking in their search, yet a population of candidates should stand out among the crowd—those who employ a blog in their job search. Consider these benefits of hiring a candidate who blogs about your industry:

They demonstrate their expertise and knowledge well beyond simply listing their credentials in resume format.

Writing about your industry in between jobs shows that they are keeping current on trends and practices.

They display an initiative to give their employment campaign a full effort to stand out from the crowd rather than maintaining a job search than is in response mode.

They have developed a new skill in learning to blog and knowledge of Web 2.0, making them a more valuable professional to your team.

They show a confidence in their writing skills, a vital component in business communication.

They display an enthusiasm to network and learn, which will benefit your company in a positive way.