Are you being remembered by prospective employers as you seek out new job opportunities, or are you a "me too" candidate that no one is noticing during the interview process?
Has this ever happened to you? You read a job description and said, "That's me! I would be perfect for this position." You went on the interview, thought you did a great job, but did not get called back? You probably didn't get hired because they forgot who you were.
If you want a job, a great job, you have to shine in front of perspective employers. This means making a great impression that lasts for days, weeks, or more after your interviews are over. This impression is called personal branding. Just like companies brand themselves so they can stick out from their competition, if you want your dream job, it's time for you to do the same.
What is personal branding? It's the sum of your beliefs, values, character, talents, experiences, and vision. Your brand is a brief, intriguing description of yourself that becomes a powerful statement to convey to employers why you are perfect for the job. You can utilize your personal branding statement in your resume, cover letter, thank you letter, or to help craft the answer to the common interview question, "Tell me about yourself."
There are four ways to create and communicate a powerful personal brand in your job search.
1. Root Your Brand In Substance
A great brand screams quality. What have you done in your career that you would consider to be quality work? How have you made a difference in the companies you have worked for? For example, did you lead a team to a spectacular project completion? Did you save money, make money, or create a process that changed the way your company did business?
Get these hard-earned results on paper. Own your accomplishments. Results are what employers want first before knowing more about you. If you are fluffing your way through interviews without the hard facts of why you are the best candidate, you will not get the job.
2. Know Your Value-Service Relationship
Great brands are great because they produce an experience, a product, or service to a target audience. Your target audience on an interview is the company you are interviewing with. Your goal on an interview is to not focus on yourself, but instead on serving others. Focus on understanding how you can make a positive difference and leave a permanent mark. Ask yourself, "What's in it for them to hire me? How will I benefit the organization? How will my skills add value and help solve the problems and challenges they are facing now and in the future?"
3. Create Your Personal Brand Statement
Once you know the results you produce and how you are of value to others, you are ready to create your personal branding statement. Your branding statement contains what you bring to the party. For example, are you are hard working, independent, and adventurous? Are you versatile, adaptable, and resourceful? Are you down to earth, honest, and authentic? Are you reliable, tough, desirable, and capable? Ask yourself, 'How am I unique?" "What sets me apart from others in a positive manner?" Your goal is to distinguish yourself. What identity will best support your career objectives? The key is to keep it simple and consistent. You are looking to boil down your answers into a statement that is simple and consistent--one sentence--that describes how you are distinct from other job candidates.
4. Develop A Communications Contact Strategy
Include a list of places where you can communicate your personal brand, such as in meetings, conventions, or special projects. Include names of people you can contact to let them know you are looking for a new job. Who you will contact, and when will you communicate with them, becomes the foundation and structure for you spreading the word about you.
Your personal brand is a process and a journey. Use your personal brand to get what you want and more in your career.
Copyright: Copyright © 2007-2008 Terri Kelly
About the Author:| Terri Kelly, founder of Career Insights, Inc., partners with clients to develop a vision and mission to enhance their leadership skills and personal effectiveness. Her clients include managers, executives, and entrepreneurs from a wide variety of companies and industries. Terri has a MA in Communications, with an emphasis in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development. Terri can be reached via email at terrikelly@careerinsightsinc.com by telephone at 248-620-5598 or via the web at http://www.careerinsightsinc.com
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