How Personal Branding Online Can Help Your Job Search

Published on: 15 July 2017 Last Updated on: 13 September 2024

Every day, you see brands, you wear brands, you use brands, and you eat and drink brands. Business branding is everywhere.

You are also a brand.

Personal branding is especially useful when you’re job hunting or promoting yourself for other reasons. It’s up to you to craft your personal brand so that it conveys what you want it to convey.

What is a personal brand?

Your personal brand is the combination of factors that create an impression of you in the minds of other people. It’s your values, strengths, personality, passions, and all the other characteristics that people see in you.

You don’t need a logo, and your resume is only a part of your personal brand. You are a complete package. When you develop your personal brand, you shape it to help your best qualities stand out. You can shape it differently for different purposes to show employers and others who you are.

How a personal brand can help you

How many times have you had what you thought was a successful job interview, knowing that you were fully qualified for the job – and you didn’t get it?

It used to be that a good resume and a suitable personality were all you needed to get the job you wanted. These days, employers look further. When they research applicants online, they may find LinkedIn profiles, Facebook profiles, articles that you wrote, questionable photos, snide remarks on Twitter that you posted, and so on.

In fact, almost 80 percent of recruiters are required to look into your online reputation to see if there are any red flags.

Your personal brand helps you set yourself apart from others. Chances are that your competitors have already built their personal brands, making it easier for hiring managers to make decisions about them. One of them may have been hired for your dream job.

A well-developed personal brand can also help you with these endeavors:

Getting job promotions
Having recruiters notice you
Receiving recognition in your field
Developing industry connections
Attracting clients
Strengthening your desirable qualities
Reaching your goals more easily

How to develop a personal brand

First, identify the elements of your personal brand.

You are a brand product, and you need to know how to describe it. You need to know what skills, strengths, talents, and experience you offer, what accomplishments show what you can do for others, and what are your core values and passions are. You need to be able to explain your goals and decide what you want to people to recognize you for.

The answers to those questions form the unique package that is you. Once you’ve identified these traits, you need to package and publish them. There’s a bunch of different ways to go about this.

LinkedIn is a key part of your personal brand. Prospective employers and clients will look for you and expect to see you there. Spend time writing a profile that shows off your personal brand. Review and update it regularly. Take part in LinkedIn discussions. Quality contributions will make people notice you and view your LinkedIn profile.

Create profiles and take part in other social media platforms as well. Keep personal posts private so that professional connections see only posts that contribute to your personal brand.

Applicants who have a personal website are more likely to be hired than those who don’t have one. Use your website to draw attention to your accomplishments, and keep it updated. If you write well, consider having a blog. A blog with industry-relevant articles can go a long way to building your credibility and attracting job offers.

How to use your personal brand

Now it’s time to create a resume that highlights the characteristics that form your personal brand. Use it to help employers understand your unique qualities that are relevant to their needs.

Today’s resumes are more than lists of past jobs and responsibilities. Start your resume with a personal statement that describes your brand and what you offer of value to employers. Have a bulleted list near the top of the first page with accomplishments that illustrate your proficiency.

Hand in hand with resume writing is researching target employers. Read their job ads carefully, and shape each resume to underscore the aspects of your personal brand that can best meet their challenges. Research jobs not only on large aggregate sites but also on local job boards. If you live in New York, for example, search the ads for jobs in your field at New York Jobs.

You can also post your resume online. Choose a version that will appeal to the majority of employers you’re targeting.

Let recruiters and your personal contacts know that you’re looking for a new position. When they understand your personal brand, they’re better able to recognize potential job matches. Networking groups may also help you find the right connection.

Continue to take part online, monitor your social media presence, and write in your blog if you have one. Hiring managers and recruiters could be searching for you online at any time.

Continue to connect with more people online. Past colleagues and supervisors, college alumni, people in your networking groups, and other people in your field can be valuable connections. Help them when you can, and they’ll want to help you.

Read also:

How is Social Media Playing A Role In Career Building?

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Ultimate Guide to Interview Prep Mastering the Essentials

We have either been in the same spot a few times, or this is your first interview prep. No matter how often you straighten your tie, prepare yourself with your best answers, and finest smiles, chronic nervousness is common. But why do we get nervous before an interview? Even after understanding all the questions, why do our tongues get tied, and we can be at a loss for words? Or do we? Is there a possibility of this ever happening, or are we overthinking it? The biggest reason behind pre-interview anxiety can originate from the myths and mysteries of a job interview. So, that is precisely what we are going to do today. Debunk these myths and give you the reality of a job interview. Plus, this blog post will also focus on giving you curated advice for interviews to ace any, and most importantly, how to get rid of the anxiety psychologically. Interview #Myths (...and the Truth) As you prepare for your interview, here is some good news. You do not have to perfect. Do not worry; no recruiter is looking for a robot. We must already combat enough AI to take our jobs! Authenticity will always trump any robotic response. So, let's give you a few more good news! Myth #1 – You Should Have All the Answers Undoubtedly one of the biggest myths of job interviews is having all the answers. There is a misconception that your incapability to answer a particular question directly indicates your incompetency. Reality That is simply not the case. In fact, sometimes interviewers ask you bizarre questions to test your practicality or even your creativity. Basically, there might not be a correct answer! They are just trying to understand how imaginative you are. However, you might not have an answer to the question, which is all right. It is even okay to politely decline to respond politely. This shows integrity, as you do not wish to waste their time or your own. Plus, it shows your acceptance of your shortcomings and enthusiasm for learning more. Myth #2 – Interviewer Holds All the Power Since you are the one wanting the job, it is common to misconstrue a power dynamic. Many get nervous because they believe the interviewer holds all the power. You might also place the interviewer on a pedestal, thinking they might know a lot and are probably judging all the questions. Reality Interview prep is always a two-way street. While the recruiter judges your capabilities, you are also assessing whether the job is right for you. Plus, their thought of hierarchy can make you more nervous. If you have confidence in your capability and know you will be suitable for the job, then treat your recruiter as your equal. The conversation can go much smoother from that point on. Additionally, you are also allowed to have unique interview questions to ask your employer. It is not a one-way communication. Myth #3 – You Have to Wear a Suit This is an age-old belief that what you wear will heavily influence your first impression on your interviewers. However, the myth is about wearing a suit and always having a tie around your neck. Reality Not that it will hurt if you wear one, it is not a necessity. Dressing yourself up in formals and looking presentable doesn’t always end with a suit. You can look presentable with a simple button-up & trousers. For ease of understanding, we will pinpoint the ones who are not dressed up. Un-ironed cloths Denim Clothes that do not fit you Hats Ripped or distressed pants Pants with too many revealing pockets Revealing clothes Too many accessories A face full of bright makeup & Open-toed shoes (unless they are strappy heels but prefer closed-toed pumps) or sports shoes. If you have a pressed shirt and trousers that fit with closed-toed shoes, you should be ready. Myth #4 – Your Resume Is the Only Game Changer You will find many prints and place their resume in a new folder for their interview prep. They might even present their resume to the interviewer before allowing themselves to sit (...and without even being asked). Reality They rang up for an interview upon perusing your resume. Therefore, they want to avoid sitting and reading through your resume. So, presenting your resume before presenting yourself is not a game. More than your academic or professional achievements, they are here to assess your personal skills. Believe it or not, other candidates might have the same resume. This is not to demotivate your professional capabilities but to understand that it has already created the impression it could. The rest now depends on how you present yourself. Plus, this is an opportunity for you to make yourself stand out. Myth #5 – You Should Have a Firm Handshake The things people overthink before an interview prep can charge anyone’s curiosity meter. One of them is having a firm handshake. Many believe that a firm handshake can telepathically transfer one's strong will and professional excellence to one's interviewer. Reality Again, a good handshake is a sign of a confident personality. However, correlation is not causation. That is, someone with a slightly weaker one isn't automatically wrong for the job. Shaking hands with the person who escorted you to your interview and your interviewers is a sign of respect. Your interviewers will consider you as a polite being (...irrespective of the firmness of your hand). Plus, there are other factors to assess you, so rest assured they are not overthinking your handshake. Also Read: Red flags of a job interview: 8 reasons to turn down an offer Things To Remember While You Interview Prep – Advice for Interview While preparing to be your best self in your interviewer’s eyes, do not forget this last-minute advice for an interview. Check The Job Description: Before you sit before answering the questions, remember to go through the job descriptions a few times. It doesn’t matter if you can’t answer one question, but you should know what job you are interviewed from. Plus, offering you a different job role other than the one in the description is also a major red flag you should look out for. Research The Company: Do not give your interviewers the impression that this is just another interview. Show them that you want the job and start having personal communication about the company. Knowing that you know about the company creates a steady impression. Non-Verbal Communication: 70% of communication in your job interview is non-verbal. When you start your job interview prep, do so in front of a mirror. Finding your best presentation posture, a pleasant smile, and firm eye contact. The entirety of you should be communicating with your recruiters. Especially if you are in a video interview, your non-verbal communication skills will be scrutinized more. Keep In Mind the Timing: You should always be early enough for your interview. This was the interviewer’s understanding of the candidate’s conceptual skills. nature, heavily influencing your acceptance rate. Make it a habit to be 10 minutes before the assigned time for your corporate interviews. Interview Doesn’t End After You Leave: Always send a thank you mail expressing your gratitude. You can also give a better reply to a question asked during the interview. This will show your enthusiasm towards the job, and the fact that you are carrying your research forward even after the interview. Bizarre Interview Questions (...and Their Answers) Interview prep is indeed a serious matter. However, sometimes, interviewees can even ask bizarre questions to cut the tension and add some witty humor. The wittier your answers to these bizarre interview questions are your recruiters will be impressed. Here are some of the common questions whose answers you should prepare. 1. “What’s The Color of Money?” A company once asked their financial candidates this question. This can either be a trick question or a question to test someone’s creativity & knowledge. While the obvious answer would be green, one candidate answered “it depends on the country. While US dollar is green, Japanese Yen could come in blue, green, and purple based on the currency amount.” Can you guess who was hired? Yes, the one with a worldly knowledge about currencies from all over the world. Now, that is someone with a keen interest in finance. 2. “If you were shipwrecked on an island with no food, water, or internet connection, what is that one thing you would like to have.” Now, this is a question that has no right or wrong answer. The recruiter is just trying to assess your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. One candidate answered “a kindle” which seemed like a dreamy answer. While another candidate said “a boat” which was quite logical. The candidate who got the job said a hammer & a knife. Truly, you will need two important tools to fashion any tool out of whatever’s left. This was the interviewer’s understanding of the candidate's’ conceptual skills. 3. “If you could fly or be invisible, what superpower would you choose?” This is another interview question that recruiters use to break the ice. Through this superpower question, they are just trying to determine whether you are a spotlight person, or someone more willing to work behind the scenes. Oddly, many choose flying over being invincible. However, for candidates who choose invincibility, recruiters can get an idea about their introversion or extroversion nature. Therefore, when preparing for an interview, remember to choose these items wisely. The End of Every Interview Prep No matter how your interview was, always end it with a good note. Remember to shake their hands and express your gratitude for their time. Do not rush the recruiters for a reply. Try waiting for 48 hours, and then send them an email asking for the result. Your interview prep doesn’t end after the interview. A follow-up can always be a game-changer! Hopefully, this blog post was able to calm you down. If you have more words of wisdom for our audience, please add them in the comment section below. Read Also: How Interviews With Industry Titans Motivate And Elevate Company Teams Red flags of a job interview: 8 reasons to turn down an offer

9 Best Entry Level Marketing Jobs When Starting Your Career

Marketing is a generic term that encompasses a broad range of career paths. There are several opportunities in marketing that can take in different directions and open your door to success. Now, if you are searching for the best entry level marketing jobs, then you have come to the right place! A marketing career attracts artistic and encouraging individuals. This career path in entry level marketing jobs is demanding as well as satisfying due to high salary rewards. A career potential in marketing is unlimited because it is used in every industry and company. A company requires an individual who can understand the marketing industry well and help them in the growth of their business. Marketing Job Description - Duties & Responsibilities A marketer is an individual who promotes products and services on behalf of a company. They are also responsible for boosting the company’s promotional efforts and increasing return on investment. Marketers create a message that describes the benefits of the company’s products and services to their target audience, and it directly affects sales. Now, let’s discuss the top duties and responsibilities of a marketer. Analyzing the results of the campaigns and reviewing the progress by making adjustments. Researching the past successful campaigns in order to understand what is working and vice versa. Conducting marketing research to understand the target audience’s needs, interests, habits, wants, and other factors used in targeted marketing campaigns. Meeting with clients to discuss goals, budget, and brand guidelines. Helping team leads set, allocate, and control the budget of every project. Creating a style for the brand that captures the attention of the target audience. Collaborating with advertising, marketing, and sales team members in order to plan promotional marketing campaigns. Specifying a company’s target audience based on market research. Skills Required To Become A Marketer The major part of a marketing career is that you need to understand the needs, preferences, and limitations that describe the target group of consumers. This is usually done by the marketing research team. Besides, there are some skills that are required to succeed as a marketer, and this includes the following: Research skills Problem-solving skills Writing skills Analytical skills Communication skills 9 Best Entry Level Marketing Jobs [Updated] If you are choosing marketing as your career path, then you need to understand this industry in depth. You also need to build a portfolio, engage in conversions, and stay updated with all the marketing data. The best entry-level marketing jobs depend upon your skills and interests. The job will allow you to showcase your skills and improve the same by working on them. At the same time, you can use those to reach your career goals. To reduce your time and efforts, we have listed the top 9 entry-level marketing jobs that will boost your career path. 1. Marketing Assistant A marketing assistant supports a company’s marketing team in tracking, executing, and planning the achievement of marketing campaigns and programs. The major responsibilities of a marketing assistant include the following: Organizing marketing events Creating marketing materials Assisting the marketing team on projects Analyzing data to monitor campaigns Creating and managing the production of marketing collateral Providing project-specific administrative support Producing content for all social media platforms 2. Content Marketer Content marketers help in the planning and the development of the organization’s content and strategy. They create content not only for the company’s website but also for the social platforms to increase the visibility and conversions of the business. The major job responsibilities of a content marketer are as follow: Working with clients to edit and modify the copy to meet the content expectations. Collaborating with PR and marketing departments Proposing copy concepts in an interesting way for clients Researching the organization’s audience and market trends Helping SEO individuals Contributing to content strategy and planning Creating engaging contents 3. Media Assistant Another best entry-level marketing job is media assistant. They work closely with the media team and help in the planning of advertising campaigns across broadcast media channels and digital print. The major job duties and responsibilities of a media assistant include: Developing and maintaining a strong relationship with media outlets. Performing administrative duties Researching audiences and media channels Pulling and analyzing media reports Using media software to track the performance Obtaining and analyzing media. Monitoring media for the appropriate placement of ads 4. SEO Specialist A Search Engine Optimization (SEO) specialist optimizes the performance of the organization’s online content and web pages. They focus on the target keywords and make sure it appears on the top pages of Google. The major job duties and responsibilities of an SEO specialist include the following: Collaborating with blog writers and content creators. Conduct keyword research for the company and clients Improving the ranking of the website Developing a strong SEO strategy and tracking keyword trends Analyzing the search engine’s performance Implement link building strategy Track and report website’s analytics and PPC campaigns. 5. Sales Representatives A Sales Representative recognizes and pursues new customers and clients for the company. They are responsible for selling the company’s products by educating the prospects and identifying leads. The major job duties and responsibilities of a sales representative include the following: Providing customer support Meeting sales objectives Building relationships with prospects Tracks all the sales activities in the company Schedule meetings and presentations Generating leads for customers Coordinate with other team members to improve sales effort 6. Account Coordinator Account Coordinator is one of the best entry-level marketing jobs in 2021. These individuals are a part of the advertising agency and help to manage client accounts and campaigns. Thus, they provide day-to-day administrative support to account executives. The major job duties and responsibilities of an Account Coordinator include the following: Creating work schedules and project plans Managing account budgets Helping managers create promotional events for the organization Assembling promotional materials Addressing client queries and solving issues regarding the same Serving clients regularly Drafting sales proposals 7. Digital Marketing Coordinator A Digital Marketing Coordinator devises and implements marketing campaigns on online platforms. They help to create content and build the presence of an organization effectively. The primary responsibilities of a digital marketing coordinator include the following: Analyzing results of the digital marketing campaigns Building strong website presence on social platforms Identifying business opportunities for growth and development Organizing social media sites and creating online content Manage email campaigns Tracks website analytics and other reports. 8. Marketing Analyst Marketing Analyst is one of the top marketing jobs for the entry level position. They conduct research, analyze data, and boost marketing efforts. The top job duties and responsibilities for the marketing analyst are as follow: Create specific research methods Interpret data and formulate reports Utilize online marketing research and catalog findings to databases Develop research proposals and create reports to present data findings Understand the marketing trends in-depth and community with other team members. Measuring and reporting on marketing performance campaigns 9. Public Relations Public Relations specialists build and maintain a positive public image for an organization. They create a press release or media that shapes public opinions of the company in order to increase brand awareness. In short, Public Relations specialists are responsible for maintaining a positive image of the company. The top job duties and responsibilities for Public Relations are as follow: Tracking press opportunities and speaking engagements Works with managers to identify trends and group interests Updating and maintaining web content Preparing and editing organizational publications Understanding the organization’s objectives Planning the development of programs Establishing and maintaining relationships with consumers The Final Thoughts The above-listed entry level marketing jobs may lead you to a job in product management in which you would be responsible for the success of the brand. A marketing career is very rewarding and interesting in the long run. Thus, you can make your career in this field and enjoy high pay. Besides, let me know your doubts in the comment section below regarding marketing-level jobs. READ ALSO: Career Options after 12th Science 8 Useful Tips for Personal Career Development Is Real Estate Investment Trusts A Good Career Path? How Many Jobs Are Available In Real Estate Investment Trusts?

What They Don’t Tell You About Freelance Careers

In 2016, 34% of Americans were working freelance careers. That percentage is expected to climb to 43% by 2020. An improved work-life balance is the first benefit that comes to mind when considering a freelancing. But we also know what no one else is telling you. Read on to find out more. There's a Union on Your Side : Who hasn't wasted precious working hours searching the web for reputable information before becoming more stressed and confused? What makes Freelancers Union so great is it's a one-stop-shop for free resources for beginning and experienced freelancers. When going freelance, most people are overwhelmed with tax concerns. Don't know how to read a 1099 form? Need help determining sales and use tax? All this information is written clearly on the site by experts. You'll also find guides for choosing dental, vision, life, and health insurance plans. And even insightful blog posts ranging from productivity hacks to methods for handling tragedy. Furthermore, a subscription at ThePayStubs gives you access to an innovative pay stub maker. You can have a pay stub downloaded and printed within two minutes after selecting your preferred template. Relationship Building isn't Just About Finding Clients : Nobody misses unfair office politics or boring meetings once they've gone freelance. However, after working alone for a while, it's normal to feel lonely. While most of your friends are likely to work less flexible schedules, it doesn't mean you have to spend day after day without socializing. While your old friends are great, wouldn't it be amazing to have freelancer friends who get you the way your colleagues in your old office did? Freelancers can enjoy real human interaction (and 68% better focus) by joining coworking spaces. 58% of Those with Freelance Careers Have Gone Without Pay : Unfortunately, when reading up on how to go freelance, most newcomers won't come across these insights. It usually takes getting burned first. Never begin a project without a signed contract that clearly states payment amounts and due dates. Ween out nonpaying clients by having a mandatory deposit amount prior to starting each job. Don't lowball yourself. New freelancers tend to charge less than the value of their work. Think about the time, supplies, and whether you'll hire employees. If you aren't strategic about the costs to stay in business, it won't last. Most people are Googlable. With a simple search, you can learn about a potential client's character, including how they treat employees and whether they've been fair to freelancers. Don't make it difficult for clients to pay you. Send professional-looking invoices from user-friendly programs like PayPal, Due, or Authorize. Accounting Tasks Can be Done with Minimal Effort : Even if you're running a small business with a few employees, the idea of correctly issuing pay stubs can be a pain. On the same site, you can generate employee W-2 forms without stumbling over difficult math or spending buckets of money on an accountant. Need more freelance career tips? Let us teach you how to promote your startup on social media. And join our mailing list to be more in the know! Read Also : The Significance Of Face-To-Face Networking For Freelancers Five Reasons Why Freelancers Should Use A Coworking Space 7 Ways To Get Better At Writing: Personal Growth

How Personal Branding Online Can Help Your Job Search

What is a personal brand?

How a personal brand can help you

How to develop a personal brand

How to use your personal brand

How to Write an Effective Resume that Get Noticed?

Why is sleeping well so important for job performance?

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Ultimate Guide to Interview Prep Mastering the Essentials

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Share this Article

How to Write an Effective Resume that Get Noticed?

Why is sleeping well so important for job performance?

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

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