Standing Out Among the Competition

Standing Out Among the Competition

When you think of your favorite brands, you probably immediately associate them with a certain image. It could be based on your own personal experience, but you've likely at least noticed the colors they use on their packaging or signage. Coca-Cola, for instance, has a widely-recognized red and white theme. You know instantly what you're getting when you see that famous logo.

But image isn't just for businesses. If you separately pooled everyone who knows you, chances are they'd have some common things to say about you. That's your image. Some of those personality traits can be put toward your professional reputation. Yes, just as Coca-Cola and other companies brand their products, you can create a personal brand that will help you achieve your career goals.

Recognize What Makes You Unique

The first step in branding yourself is figuring out what your brand is. When an employer is looking at a stack of resumes, what sets you apart? Imagine yourself seated across from a potential employer as part of a series of candidates being interviewed the same day. What qualities do you have that put you ahead of the others they've spoken to the same day? Use those positive features to craft a personal brand.

Create a Personal Brand Statement

The key to communicating this to employers is a two-sentence summary known as a personal brand statement. Unlike the objectives once stated at the top of every resume, this summary is more like the motto or slogan seen in corporate advertising. Include this branding statement in your cover letters and on your LinkedIn profile. When you show up for the interview, make sure you live up to that branding statement in your responses.

Make Your Online Presence Consistent

Once you've come up with a personal brand statement, look at your online presence the way a potential employer would. Is that message clearly communicated across all your profiles? If you want to keep your personal accounts private, make sure they're locked down so that only friends and followers can see them. For sites like LinkedIn and Twitter, consider posting and sharing content that shows you have an interest and expertise in your field.

Express Pros specializes in helping professionals find the perfect job. We can help you ensure that you stand out from the competition, both in your applications and in your job interviews. Whether you're an employer looking for your next candidate or a candidate in search of a job, we can help. Call (615) 441-8898 to find out how we can help you.