In this economy, it’s a privilege to hang the shingle saying, “we’re hiring.” Having just interviewed two job candidates, I thought I’d offer a few words of advice to job seekers, in particular to bloggers who are looking to translate their skills into the workplace.

When contemplating a job search, most people naturally take an inventory of their professional experience, acquired skills and natural talents. That’s the right place to start, but to really impress a hiring manager, you have to dig deeper.

Just saying that you’re a great writer doesn’t distinguish you from the other writers in the job market. Ask yourself: “What am I really good at?” Is it telling personal stories in a compelling way? What results have you experienced from doing this? Exercising a skill and demonstrating the outcomes is what will set you apart and provide the conceptual path for translating blogging skills into the business world.

Once a job candidate has passed muster and comes in for an interview, a key element that I’m looking for is if this person can play well with others. Although experiences vary, blogging can often be a solitary endeavor, and we need job candidates with the full package of experience and the ability to work well as part of a team of 10.

Highlight your collaborative projects, or seek some out during your job search. There are certainly tons of nonprofits and events that can benefit from having a blogger on board!

Finally, ask yourself: “Is this a grass is greener situation?” Income potential aside, it’s important for job candidates to determine if they will be happy in a new environment, especially if it’s a change from a flexible home office to a nine-to-five workday in a cubicle.

Are you a blogger who’s looking for a full-time job? Was this discussion helpful to you, or are you at a different place in your search?

This post is the first in a series leading up to the talk, “From Personal Blogger to Professional Marketer” by Melissa Lion and Julie Yamamoto at Wordcamp Portland.