Branded – is that a good word?
In today's job market, it absolutely is, as long as you have done it right! When you think about your brand, what comes to mind? Is it your look, your expertise, your energy… or maybe your mind is completely blank.
It's time to make sure you have a stellar brand. Companies want to hire people who know who they are, know what impact they can have and know their own expertise.
The first step in having a stellar brand is knowing the answers to these 3 questions.
* Do you know who you are?
* Do you know what impact you can have on a company?
* Do you know your expertise?
After you know the answer to these questions, take an inventory of your first impressions. Take a look at the way you dress. Does it portray the way you want people to see you? While you are in career transition, every encounter is a possible networking opportunity so dress the part!
The next area of developing a high-caliber brand is to make sure your marketing collateral is professional and portrays your identified brand. Take an inventory of the below items. Are they complete? Do they adequately portray you?
* Resume
* Interview Portfolio
* Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Blogging, Online Resume)
The last step in branding yourself is the way you showcase it when networking. Does your brand come through? Do people know who you are and what you do? When you are networking, you must make sure you are building relationships instead of just handing out business cards. Building relationships is the way people really get to know you. They will remember you for your commonalities, and then your brand will shine through.
People don't remember words, they remember brands. It is important, and it will continue to be important. Job seekers that land are no longer exempt from the ongoing networking outside of their current company. All professionals must continue to network and brand themselves to keep current and active in the job market.
Praying for your landing into the career of your dreams!!!
Jessica Pierce is Career Transition Speaker, Trainer and Consultant. She is also the Executive Director of Career Connectors, a community program connecting real people with real careers who have helped over 4000 job seekers in the last 2 years.
