Build Your Personal Brand
A personal brand is similar to a corporate brand. It represents who you are and what you value. A personal brand helps to communicate your unique identity to potential employers. Your personal brand should highlight your values, skills, and strengths. Likewise, your brand should communicate the attributes you bring to the table.
First impressions matter! From the first time an alum reviews your online profile to your handwritten thank-you note after your interview, you can control the way you are perceived by others. Professional materials that effectively reflect you, your abilities, and accomplishments will open the door for you to meet and interview with employers.
Perception vs. Reality
How do you want potential employers to see you? Does your current online presence reflect this? Networking contacts and employers will do their research on you, so you want to make sure your online presence reflects the professional brand you want to represent. Employers have rejected candidates based on something that was on their social media. Here are some tips to help you ensure your online presence is appropriate before you begin reaching out to networking contacts and potential employers:
- Adjust your privacy settings
- Be aware of what is public (photos, posts, etc.)
- Search yourself on Google
- Proactively tag or un-tag yourself in photos and events
- Always proof before you post
- Never complain about your job or boss or share confidential employer information
- Utilize social media sites to research organizations and professionals
- Follow companies of interest and engage in career-related groups
- Customize the invitation to connect on LinkedIn (share who you are, how you know the person, and why you want to connect)
Building an Effective Personal Brand
Your personal brand begins with your promise, which is simply the value you bring to an employer based on your specific strengths and experience. Once you know this, you can leverage the components of a personal brand to persuade your audience that you are the best fit for a specific role within a company or organization. Effective personal brands are all about personalization, so it is important to know your audience and customize your materials and resources accordingly.
Three Key Components:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn Profile
Photo and Headline
Summary
Experience & Education
