Resumes can start to look the same after awhile. But, your personal brand is unique to you, something that can separate you from the competition, and help your resume go to the top of the pile. It is a reality in today’s job marketplace that employers will be searching for information about you on the Internet.
If you have ever posted anything , or have been mentioned online – you are being judged on that information.
It’s an unavoidable reality that people will form an opinion on you based off the information they find online. You can’t necessarily control all the online information about you; however, you can take control and develop a personal brand. By being proactive and working on your personal brand now, you can help ensure that employers’ opinions of you are based off the right information.
Here are some tips to get started:
1. Discover your personal brand. It’s time to look in the mirror and at your history, to define your personal brand. Don’t rush to create a brand that sounds like a great idea, only to discover that it doesn’t truly represent you. Take the time to research other people who have similar career goals and aspirations, and see how they represent themselves. Then, think about what you can bring to the table, what makes you unique. Craft your brand around what makes you truly different from your competitors.
2. Don’t be a footnote. While it is important to develop your brand, be careful not to be so specific that you turn into a one-trick pony. The most famous and successful celebrities, authors, and yes, everyday professionals, are multi-dimensional. You are much more complex than one item – be sure that you reflect that in your branding.
3. Get your brand out there. You can start slowly – post on LinkedIn professional forums, or other professional sites. Start commenting on blogs of professionals who are in your field, or in your desired profession. Or, better yet, start your own blog. You can control the content and the messaging, and help solidify your brand. The best way to start cultivating your online brand, is to start “doing” and “saying.”
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Contact Pinnacle; we work with top employers across Winnipeg, and we’ll find you the perfect match for your skills and career goals.
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