Job hunting in 2024 has evolved from the traditional methods of submitting resumes and waiting for responses to a proactive approach where individuals create and manage their personal brands online. Platforms like LinkedIn allow job seekers to actively shape their career paths, showcasing their skills, publishing engaging content, and even creating ads to attract potential employers.
You might not think of yourself as a brand unless you are a celebrity or an aspiring one. However, whenever you walk into an interview or ask your boss for a raise, you present an image – your personal brand. Whether you like it or not, you already have a personal brand. Recognising this, allows you to control and enhance it, powerfully propelling your career forward.
Why Personal Branding Matters
In this month’s ‘Talent Insights’ column, Valentina Kushmintseva, Talent Acquisition Team Leader at SOFTSWISS, explores why developing a solid personal career branding is an essential tool in the workplace.
Personal branding goes beyond self-promotion. It is about clearly articulating what sets you apart from others. In our fast-paced world, first impressions are lasting, whether on a date or during a job interview. Think of your job search as professional matchmaking. Modern employment platforms resemble ‘professional Tinder’, where you swipe left or right on opportunities based on your career goals.
Despite its importance, many shy away from personal branding because it feels uncomfortable or overwhelming. Yet, in a world where portfolios can quickly be overlooked, personal branding helps you stand out when you need it the most.
The Benefits of a Strong Professional Image
The more you connect with and showcase your professional self, the more you attract the right opportunities. This proactive stance ensures you are not just another hopeful face but a standout candidate employers are eager to hire.
Consider public figures like Taylor Swift, Prince Harry, or Elon Musk. You do not think about their education or background – you think about the qualities and emotions they evoke: wealth, innovation, charity, or fashion.
Now, think about a colleague at work. What adjectives come to mind? Detail-oriented? Creative? Lifelong learner? These qualities define their brand.
“Personal branding is about how you present yourself, what you stand for, and how others perceive you over time. The key here is consistency – any successful brand must be dependable to build trust and grow in value,” says Valentina Kushmintseva.
Active Steps to Building a Strong Personal Career Branding
In today’s job market, maintaining a strong and professional online presence is crucial. Creating a LinkedIn page or a professional social media profile is just the beginning.
Continuous self-improvement is necessary for career growth, and similarly, maintaining and enhancing your online presence is equally important. Once you have crafted your CV and set up your LinkedIn profile, it is important to consider where else your professional image should be visible and how to manage these platforms effectively.
- Define Your Branding Goals: Understand what you want to achieve with your personal brand. Are you positioning yourself as a thought leader, an industry innovator, or a reliable expert?
When contemplating these questions, taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test can be incredibly insightful, revealing a wealth of information about your psychological profile. - Highlight Your Unique Selling Point: Identify and articulate what sets you apart. This could be a specialised skill, unique professional experiences, or a novel approach to industry challenges.
- Communicate Effectively: Develop a consistent communication strategy that resonates with your target audience. Choose platforms that align with your goals, decide on the tone and frequency of your messages, and stay active and consistent.
Enhancing Your Online Presence
Recruiters will likely review your social media profiles when you apply for a job. To ensure a positive impression:
- Keep your LinkedIn profile updated with your latest achievements and skills.
- Ensure professional social media profiles, like Instagram, reflect your expertise and creativity.
- For roles like copywriting, design, or content creation, maintain an up-to-date portfolio or personal website.
Regularly post about the professional events you attend, courses you complete, and new insights you gain. Sharing your knowledge can position you as an industry thought leader:
- Share your knowledge, as what is obvious to you might be valuable to others.
- Use your online presence to showcase your skills and professional journey.
Beyond Job Hunting
Do not view your online presence solely as a tool for job hunting. It is also a platform to promote yourself as a skilled professional:
- Highlight your milestones and achievements.
- Engage with posts from peers and industry leaders.
- Build a strong professional network through active participation.
Personal Branding as Reputation Management
Imagine having zero control over your brand. Insane, right? If you do not shape your image, someone else will, and you might not like the results. Whether or not you feel overwhelmed by building your personal brand, let’s get real: you do not have a choice.
‘Personal branding’ may sound daunting – it is a buzzword that is everywhere and can create anxiety. But let’s look at it from another perspective: your reputation. The saying goes, “As you name the boat, so shall it float.”
Reframing personal branding as managing your reputation makes it more accessible. Many Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers are comfortable thinking, “Yes, I am building my reputation – highlighting my values, skills, and unique traits.”
Valentina highlights: “When developing your personal brand, remember that your true power lies within you. Emphasise your strengths and remain authentic to who you are – your inherent talents, core values, and personal vision of success.”