Episode 2: 5 ways to improve your Personal Branding

Welcome back to our new blog series “Getting Hired”, this is episode 2! In episode 1 we explored what personal branding is and why it’s important when starting your job search.

In episode 2 it’s time to get into the nitty gritty and help you advance your own personal brand. If you follow the advice in this blog, you should be well on your way to be a standout candidate and ready to amplify your career.

 

Here are 5 key steps to take when developing your personal brand:

1 – Start off on the right foot!

As we explained in episode 1, employers are using social media more than ever during the recruitment process. The first impression you have with your employer will be your profile picture. It may sound simple but, make sure this is a professional, clear, and simple image of you. As recruiters we can’t stress enough how uncommon this is!

We have seen some truly awful profile pictures, sometimes I wonder if these candidates even want a job, or they did it for a bet! So please please please , just use a good photo that promotes a good version of yourself. 

 

2 – Sell yourself

Passed the profile picture test? You’re not even halfway! It’s now time to define why you’re the one for the job and try to demonstrate why you’re an expert in what you do. If you think you’re the one for the job, show them.

LinkedIn now have so many tools to use when creating your profile. You can tell your future employer everything about you. Whether that be previous experience, your set of skills, what languages you speak, they even offer a FREE 2,600 words to describe yourself; it’s almost too easy!

 

3 – Be Honest

Rule number 3 should already be part of your personal branding process and hopefully in everything you do. However, this is not always the case! Within recruitment we value tenure when finding our candidates, but far too many candidates fail to BE HONEST about this.

If LinkedIn says you left your last role in February and your CV says it was April, at best you have poor attention to detail and at worst, you’re a liar. Either way it creates the impression that you’re not telling the full story and you have something to hide. This is not the impression you want to give off. There is more value in being honest, then presenting a more attractive, yet fictitious version of yourself.

 

4 – Build your network

Now topping 756 million users in more than 200 countries, LinkedIn is the clear leader for connecting with B2B prospects, potential hires, and business partners. Using this tool and building an established network is of the upmost importance as we continue to move over into a world governed by social media.

You never know when the Junior Sales guy, could be the CEO of the next hot start up!

 

5 – Create valuable content

Having a vast network is important, but what are you offering your network? LinkedIn is full of brilliant content where people share, learn, and ultimately continue to build their network. Why not join in with your network by creating some valuable content of your own and also interact with their content, doing this is a great opportunity to add value to yourself.

Well there it is, 5 simple steps to help you develop a perfect Personal Brand!

Thanks for tuning in to episode 2 of “Getting Hired”, next week its time to tackle the dreaded CV!