Your professional brand is a combination of your reputation and the value you bring to the workplace. In a competitive job market, it’s important to be intentional about creating a personal brand that clearly communicates who you are and what you have to offer.
Answer These Questions to Establish Your Professional Brand
- What is your background (cultural, where you’re from, etc.)?
- What other experiences do you have that set you apart from other candidates in your field?
- What skills have you honed to become specialized in your career?
- What hobbies, interests, and vocations are you passionate about outside of the office?
When & Where to Implement Your Brand
- Develop an Elevator Pitch
- Utilize a 30-second pitch to introduce yourself during networking situations and interviews
- This can be adapted for social media such as your LinkedIn headline or summary
- Strong elevator pitches generally include the following elements:
- important characteristics, interests, and strengths
- what you can offer to an employer
- your goals
- why you’re connecting with the individual you’re giving your elevator pitch to
- Social Media Platforms
- Share your interests, values, and goals with your peers. Make sure your posts reflect your personal brand
- Personal Website or Portfolio
- Showcase your work. Include the URL on your LinkedIn profile and add a QR code or URL on your resume
- Consider an e-business card
- Workplace Attire
- Look good, feel good, play good.
- Wear clothing that exemplifies your professionalism and conforms with the requirements of your position.
Be Genuine
Personal branding is a concerted effort to show the world who you are and what you have to offer. Your brand is an authentic representation of yourself; it may change over time as your skills, interests, and passions evolve!
