What Does Your Personal Brand Say about You?
Episode #10 of the course Ultimate guide to landing a job by Infobip
Candidates with various lives and backgrounds compete with you for recruiter attention. Some might be as good as you, some might be better, but here’s the simple truth: it’s not a numbers game—it’s a game of branding. If you stand out in the crowd, you will increase your chances significantly.
This is why your personal brand is the best asset you have. No matter how talented or good you are at something, it only makes a difference if the right people notice you. This lesson gives you some simple rules to improve your branding on social media.
Update your profile. Be it LinkedIn, StackOverflow, or even your personal website, make sure your information is up to date. It might sound simple, but most people don’t actually do this. A professional picture goes a long way too. The rule of thumb is that you update your profile once a month. Regularly check if people are finding you and engaging with you across various social platforms.
Share relevant information. The information on your profile should be in line with your current experience and future plans. Be specific and define your goals and aspirations. If the “language” on your profile is right, the profile itself will be much more engaging.
Be honest about yourself. Your brand should represent your personal values. You know best what you stand for and how you want to be perceived. Find a creative and professional way to convey that message. Don’t underestimate or misrepresent a competence you don’t possess. Most skills can be learned and developed, and we recruiters love honesty.
Don’t brag. Be objective. Know your strengths and values but recognize your weaknesses. Clearly but professionally mention your achievements; no one likes bragging. Be objective and up front: don’t try to hide anything.
Expand and engage with your network. Join relevant professional groups and boards, connect with people, and search for people you already know. Listen, share relevant articles, participate in discussions, and be constructive. Maintain a regular presence and an open mind.
Know how to use the tools at your disposal. Most users don’t actually use all the features of their social networks or sites. Take time to read the tips and go through the free courses most of them offer. Here are a few great articles about LinkedIn. Most other platforms offer these too.
Leverage your knowledge. If you have a specialization, try to create original content about it: offer help and advice, and share your expertise and motivation. If you prefer talking to the audience, LinkedIn powers everyone with the ability to publish and engage. On the other hand, if you like clear results, you can participate in online competitions.
Follow relevant sources. Following relevant sources and building up on your knowledge is a great way to get noticed by recruiters and decision makers in your field of interest. Start by following relevant influencers on LinkedIn or Twitter or blogs that you can share and comment on.
Summary: You’re all set! Go and find, apply for, and score your dream job.
Find. Make a list of companies, positions, and industries—then make the job ads come to you. And don’t forget the importance of networking.
Apply. You have six seconds to catch the recruiter’s attention, use them wisely. Recruiters like to see that you have understood the job opening you are applying for.
Score. There is nothing more off-putting to a recruiter than a candidate showing up to an interview not knowing anything about the company or the position. Repeat and practice what you want to say. Prepare questions in advance.
Finally, don’t get discouraged if you receive a rejection. Maybe you did everything right, but they decided they want some other qualifications or just found someone they felt was a better fit (this time). We like to say that all the pitfalls, wrong turns, and setbacks you face along the way are as much a part of success as success itself.
That brings us to the end of the job-seeker’s guide from the recruiter’s perspective. We’ve covered a lot, so good luck and happy hunting!
If you want further insight into career building or job search advice, we publish regular blog posts on these topics. Stay up to date with our newsletter!
Recommended book
Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future by Dorie Clark
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