Interview with a blogger - Matt Alder

I've known Matt Alder since 2001 when he started writing job board reviews for the ukrecruiter newsletter.  Matt started out in the travel and photographic industries but has spent the last eleven years working with the internet. Initially working in the digital content industry, he has now been involved with online recruitment for nine years.  In his role at Barkers Matt manages a team of digital recruitment specialists with expertise in digital media strategy, effectiveness tracking, creative and web build.  Along with five other agency experts Matt posts on the Digital Recruiting blog talking about the digital recruitment industry.  With a varied team posting on the blog there is a steady steam of fresh content. 

How long have you been blogging?
Since November last year, although it feels like a lot longer!

Why did you start?
As a group we’ve know each other for years and we were regularly meeting up informally to discuss, debate and sometimes rant about our industry! Starting a blog seemed like a natural way of extending the debate, especially as we didn’t feel there was forum for people actually doing digital recruitment day in day out to share their thoughts and frustrations

What do you do, work related, when you aren't blogging?
I’m Head of Digital for Barkers, Alex and Ben run all things Digital at 33 and Sinead is Head of Digital at Mediacom Career. Paul and John own and run their own digital consultancies Carve and Brand Concrete

Do you think blogging has helped your business?
Interesting question because we’re all competitors! We wanted to open an intelligent forum for the digital recruitment industry as a whole and we’ve been delighted by the response not only on the blog but we’ve also seen some real changes and offline dialogue happening round some of the issues raised.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge about writing a blog?
I’m tempted to say controlling Alex Hens when he’s in full rant mode! Seriously though as with any blog it’s keeping the momentum going in terms of posting interesting content

What's another blog that you read and why do you recommend it?
I have to pick just one? Top three would be Cheezhead (spot on in terms of both content and tone), this blog of course (I’m always impressed by how regularly Louise manages to post new content) and probably Dan McGuire’s blog (because he might buy me a drink if I mention him)

What do you want your reader’s to know about you?
If you buy me a drink I’ll always mention your name in interviews about blogging

If you knew someone was thinking about starting a recruitment related blog, what advice would you want to give them?
Two simple, golden, rules. Number one have something interesting to say and number two remember all the best blogs aren’t about shameless self promotion!

Is there a question you wished I asked you?
Is Digital Recruiting just a forum for “traditional” advertising agencies?  Absolutely not and I was quite shocked when I heard it described as such the other day. Sinead, John and Paul don’t even work for what might be classed as traditional recruitment advertising agencies. Also anyone is welcome to post an article on the blog. The only rule is that you must have something interesting to say!