How to Brand Yourself to Get The Position You Want
Branding has become central to most of the world’s most successful businesses. Beyond the value of their individual products, where would companies like Apple or Coca-Cola be without their iconic brands? You can take advantage of the same techniques to build your career.
In a world dominated by social media, personal branding has become an even more crucial concern. The process goes beyond influencers and others directly trying to earn a living online. Rather, any professional can get a boost from building a recognizable brand.
With that in mind, here are some tips to brand yourself and get the position you want:
Hone Your Specialized Skills
A great brand comes down to a central question: what makes you different than everyone else? Imagine all the resumes an employer has to consider. Now think about how you’ll make yours stand out.
To do this, you need to develop a unique skill set. Find places you can separate yourself from the pack — rare abilities or an unusual combination of in-demand qualities will help you differentiate yourself.
Use Social Media
Strong branding requires a marketing campaign. You can’t afford a Super Bowl ad, but you can still leverage media to show off your career skills. Turn to social media to underline your professional value.
This strategy means going beyond LinkedIn. Get the most out of more general social media feeds, like Facebook, Instagram, or even TikTok. Prospective employers will likely check these platforms anyway — you might as well ensure the content gives you a boost.
Become a Thought Leader
A targeted online presence can present an even bigger benefit. Beyond helping you land positions when you apply for a job, a well-defined employee brand can open up unexpected opportunities. In other words, you increase your chances of being recruited.
You can accomplish this task by becoming a thought leader. That means showing that you provide more than the basic skills for a position. Demonstrate an ability to innovate and to stay on the cutting edge of your industry. You can do this through:
- High-quality social media posts
- Starting a blog
- Speaking at conferences/industry events
Connect with High-Profile Employers
You’ve heard of guilt by association, right? The process works in the opposite direction as well. You can become successful by association too.
Get a reputational bump by working with highly respected employers. To do this, target firms that have a strong following in the industry. Even a part-time or contract assignment can give you an interesting resume line, or a choice experience with a top company can become a potential clincher at an interview.
Maximize Your Networking Efforts
Top brands also get their power from word-of-mouth exposure. For your career, networking acts as the equivalent. Having a broad web of professional contacts will let you find opportunities and will give you a boost once you apply.
You can also upgrade your ability to sell yourself by partnering with a top staffing agency. A well-respected recruiter, like SmartTalent, can help you land the perfect position for you.
Contact SmartTalent today to jumpstart your career.
