What does personal branding have to do with looking for a job? Well, more than you would think. While you may believe personal branding is something only for celebrities and public figures, if you are job hunting, it should be something you consider.
Personal branding is essentially how you present yourself to the world—it’s the unique combination of skills, experiences, and values that make you who you are. In today’s competitive job market, ensuring your personal branding is on point may be what pulls your resume to the top of the pile and leaves a lasting impression. Creating a strong personal brand helps you not only stand out but also build trust, foster credibility, and attract opportunities. When your personal brand resonates with your target audience, job offers and networking opportunities are more likely to come your way.
So, what should you be considering?
Your ‘Social Media Footprint’: Often, part of the recruitment process involves completing what we at Inspire HQ call ‘Social Media Checks’. We look at how you represent yourself online; we can learn a lot about someone by the content they are willing to share and engage with. It can speak to your morals and values. It is important to ensure that there is no… questionable… content. Personally, my rule of thumb has always been, ‘Would I care if my Grandma saw this?’. I can always trust my Grandma to keep me in line.
Your LinkedIn Profile: Employers often use social media to find and vet candidates. Having a professional online presence simply makes you more visible, and that is exactly what you want when you are job searching. Platforms like LinkedIn not only offer excellent opportunities to connect with industry professionals and expand your network but also to showcase your expertise. Sharing insights, articles, and engaging with content relevant to your field can position you as a knowledgeable candidate and connect you with industry professionals.
Make your profile stand out—here are my tips:
- Use a high-quality, professional photo. First impressions count!
- Your ‘Headline’ should convey who you are and what you do. Instead of just your job title, consider a headline that reflects your skills and goals.
- Your ‘Summary’ is your opportunity to tell your story. Highlight your achievements, values, and what sets you apart. Be authentic and let your personality shine through.
- Build credibility by adding to your ‘Skills’ section and requesting ‘Endorsements’ from your colleagues (past or present). This can help add credibility to your profile.
- Engagement is your friend! Post updates, share articles, and comment on relevant discussions—this shows your active engagement in your industry.
How You Communicate: This one is simple, but make sure your email address is easy to read and professional—it really is the little things that help you appear more polished. Another thing to consider is how you communicate, whether that be via email or text. If you are emailing, it is important to ensure your spelling and grammar are correct, and your email signature or sign-off is professional. You might like to include not only your name but also your contact details.
If you are texting back and forth with a prospective employer, it is important to keep your responses clear, formal, and avoid using colloquial language and emojis. Something else to consider, which may be a little left of field, is your voicemail message. I have heard some… well, interesting voicemails over the years, and they have left quite the impression. My advice: keep it simple and polite.
Your Resume: Your resume should represent your personal brand too—it should show equal parts your skills/experience, your personality, your values, and your goals. Design-wise, we encourage adding personality and stepping away from cookie-cutter resume templates. First impressions count in a job search, and having a sleek and eye-catching design that is both easy to read and informative will help set you apart from the rest of the pile. Additionally, if you are using specific colours, fonts, or designs in your resume, you might like to consider including them in your LinkedIn background image or profile image.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to keep your branding, image, and voice consistent across your social media, your resume, and your communications. Your resume and LinkedIn profile should convey a cohesive narrative about your career path and goals, and your language and tone should be consistent with how you actually communicate.
You should avoid using specific language and/or tone online or on your resume that is inconsistent with how you speak in person. It is important to use terminology and language that aligns with your industry and the roles you are applying for.
In this age of digital connectivity, personal branding is an essential aspect of any job search. By leveraging social media, particularly LinkedIn, and ensuring consistency in your messaging, you can enhance your visibility and appeal to potential employers. Take the time to invest in your personal brand, and you’ll find that it pays dividends in your job search journey.
