In the modern market, there are various tools and channels for job seekers to utilise when hunting for their next role. But to make your search a complete success, a sharp resume may not be enough. Few candidates are paying enough attention to their personal brand and how it impacts their career. Here are our top tips for taking control of your brand and implementing it in your job search:
Focus:
When you consider your brand, think about what your focus is. Where do you want to be in the next few years? What are your goals? By understanding what you want to achieve, you can build your brand around a specific purpose, instead of trying to cover all bases and potentially missing them all.
A solid focus will show employers your professionalism and your determination to succeed. Our article ‘how to determine the best move for you’ provides fantastic insights into understanding your career goals.
Social Media:
Your online presence is essential in building your brand. Spend time exploring your social media profiles, providing detailed and accurate information everywhere you can. LinkedIn can be especially fruitful for seeking new opportunities and building a network of contacts. Ask previous co-workers and managers to confirm your skills and endorse you publicly.
Once your profile is complete, begin networking in your industry. You may find your ideal role here, but more importantly, you will start to develop relationships with others in the industry. Detailed online profiles will also ensure that recruiters can search for you when they are sourcing candidates in your industry.
It’s essential to utilise all the platforms available to build your brand; however, be cautious of the content you post on more informal channels. You must always consider your brand when posting anything online.
Consider Original Content:
Creating your own unique content is a fantastic way of standing out from the crowd online, particularly in a competitive industry. Consider the position you are targeting and research interesting topics surrounding it.
Well written articles and posts will entice managers and recruiters to contact you about available roles and opportunities, along with presenting yourself as an industry expert. If your area involves portfolios or anything similar, a personal website showcasing your work and past projects can impress potential employers.
Connect and Converse with Hiring Managers:
Don’t be afraid to approach hiring managers and recruiters after connecting with them on social media. Regardless of whether they are recruiting for a role suited to you at that moment, building a network of contacts can be incredibly useful in the future. Firms are often interested in speaking with people that could be a great future asset. However, make sure you maintain your professionalism when you contact managers or executives, first impressions count.
Materials:
You should already possess a refined resume and cover letter. However, a business card can be an impressive addition to your portfolio, especially when networking face to face. Ensure that all your documents follow the same format and font style to ensure they look professional. The ability to leave your business card with a manager or recruiter will bolster the chances of them remembering you and contacting you for roles.
Recruiters:
Recruitment consultants and agencies can assist not only in helping you develop your brand but in advertising your brand in the right places. When they contact employers about vacancies to place you in, the ability to present you and your brand together can give you a genuine edge over the competition.
Resumes are simply documents made to advertise yourself to employers. Taking this and developing it into a personal branding effort will take your job search and career to new levels. Your brand will stay with you throughout your career and following these tips will help you continue to build it over the years.
ConSol Partners are experts in taking your personal brand and presenting it to employers. Contact our team of dedicated consultants for advice and guidance on finding your next role.