When I quit full-time work in 1999, I found it difficult to maintain the discipline needed to keep on top of the latest in my field. Even with consulting and editing gigs, I was focusing only on selected knowledge specific to the project at hand. I didn’t have the big picture in mind.

Writing the Genetics and Public Health Blog has galvanized me into paying attention to the latest developments in genomics. Each day, I scan the news for interesting research, analyze its worth, and develop my own views. This mind exercise is valuable in and of itself. The resulting blog is a showcase for my analytic and writing abilities and proof that I haven’t been in a cocoon.

Business Week (June 6, 2005) thinks websites and blogs can be an important part of a job seeker’s portfolio:

Just be sure that your Web site looks professional and your blog, or Web log, is smart, otherwise you will have defeated the whole purpose. Also, know that a Web site or blog will never replace a well-written resume and a stellar work history.
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Blogs are also being touted as a strategy for career enhancement. The idea is for professionals to start blogs that focus on topics of interest to people in their fields. The goal is to position yourself as an expert in the field–at least amont people who read blogs.

A blog is actually better for the career than a Web portfolio, which is just another form of the resume, said Jeff Kaye, CEO, of recruiting firm Kaye/Bassman in Dallas.

A good blog can show that you are up to date on the latest ideas and news in your industry, he said. A resume or Web portfolio only highlights your past accomplishments.
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Again, you want to keep the Web portfolio professional. That means no family photos or personal information beyond your name, e-mail address and work history.

The Genetics and Public Health Blog is my professional persona but it’s not hard to find my personal one as well. Regardless, I hope the person I represent on these web pages is someone that companies will want to hire.

Pointer from Web Logs at About.com.