Personal branding is one of the most important things you can do to get a job. Not only will your brand help you stand out from the crowd, but it will also show that you are confident, enthusiastic and willing to take initiative. A personal brand isn’t just something to put on in front of your interviewer though; it should be an extension of who you are as a person.
With this article we’re going to cover everything you need to know about creating a personal brand – how it can help you, what type of image you want to project and how to create one that’s unique and sells yourself in the right way.
Failing to establish yourself as a professional could cost you an opportunity as well as cost you money by wasting time applying for jobs that don’t suit your personality or interests.
What is a personal brand?
A personal brand is a collection of online content that shows off your skills, qualifications and personality as a person. Essentially it’s your online persona and it can be the cornerstone of your job search, trying to generate business if you are a business owner, and meeting contacts. It’s essentially you, but in a different format.
It’s what people see when they go online and what they first see when they come across your name. It’s essentially your resume on steroids. When someone goes online and sees your name, they get a snap shot of you and your experience. This is vital when applying for jobs as it shows the hiring manager who you are and what you can do as an employee.
If you have a strong personal brand, then this is what people will see first when they look at your name. It’s the first impression of you and will determine whether they want to learn more about you and your experience.
Prove that you are worth interviewing for
Your personal brand is all about you, but it’s also important to show the hiring manager why they should interview you. If they’re reading your resume and you don’t have a clear, concise reason for why they should schedule an interview with you, then they’ll most likely skip reading the entire resume all together.
Conclusion
Personal branding is the process of creating a signature image that can be projected onto business cards, LinkedIn profiles, company websites, and more. It’s your opportunity to show the world who you are as an individual—not just what you do. In today’s job market, it’s more important than ever to have a unique selling proposition (USP).
By establishing a personal brand, you can establish trust and grow your visibility in the eyes of hiring managers. With a little bit of thought and planning, you can develop your own signature and start building your personal brand in no time at all!
