Written by Cherie Simms, BASc, CCDP, CVRP - Career Advisor, Student and Graduate Employment at Mohawk College
What do you want to be known for? How are you currently being perceived?
With recruiters relying more and more on social media for networking and vetting candidates, job seekers can leverage social media as a way to set themselves apart from the competition. Creating a Personal Brand helps to set the tone for the type of professional you are, how you want to be perceived, and what you want to be known for. It lets employers know that you are fully invested in your chosen profession and the strides you are taking towards honing in on specialized skills and traits that complement your profession.
Here are 5 easy steps to creating your Personal Brand:
- Google yourself:
You might be surprised by what you find. Personal photos from your Facebook or Instagram, an article linking you to a company or significant event. Or maybe, you won’t find anything at all which can either be an advantage or a disadvantage. How would you like to be in control of what people see when they Google you? I know I would.
After you Google yourself, decide if what you see accurately portrays how you’d like to be seen. If not, consider adjusting the settings on your social media pages to control what the public sees. Or, leverage your social media to accurately reflect your professional image.
Leveraging social media to showcase your brand, can make a memorable impact when your media pages are well-branded especially when you reach out to employers, or when they decide to peruse your page to learn more about you.
2. Determine your defining characteristics:
We all have a unique characteristic, passion, talent, or interest that drives us or allows us to do what we do exceptionally well. The problem is, that we are often our worst critic. If you’re anything like me, it might be hard for you to see what your best qualities are. Ask friends and family members what words they would use to describe you. Consider asking your manager or co-workers the same thing and see if you notice a pattern or any commonalities in the responses you are getting.
Think about how those traits have shown up in the work that you do or the relationships you’ve developed over the past. Also, consider how that trait can be seen as an asset to an employer. How can your unique qualities add value?
3.Hone your brand:
Now that you can identify your unique character traits and talent find ways of developing these skills and adapting them to your career and personal life so that they truly become a part of your identity. Like any talent, it grows with practice, so invest time into enhancing those qualities as part of your personal and professional development.
For example, I’ve been told that I have a good voice for public speaking. As much as public speaking often terrifies me, over the past 3 years I have been honing my public speaking skills by seeking out these types of opportunities. With regular practice, I have become much more comfortable presenting to large groups and can confidently market myself as a skilled facilitator and instructor.
You may also consider a Continuing Education Course, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, YouTube, or other self-directed forms of improving your skills.
4. Tell your story:
We’ve heard it many times before, behind every good brand, there’s a great story. Take some time to reflect on how your defining characteristics have evolved and how they have shaped you into the professional you are today. It can even be a story about your unique talent or, that skill that makes you exceptionally great at what you do. Check out my story below for inspiration:
“Ever since I was in grade school, I’ve always been drawn to people’s talents. I was the kid in the schoolyard running a full-out talent show at recess. It never occurred to me that it was something that had followed me into adulthood. I decided to pursue a career as a Social Worker because of my strong desire to help people live out their true potential and become better versions of themselves. I quickly realized that I was able to see strength and potential in even the most seemingly broken individuals. When I got exposed to Career Services, I quickly gravitated to this profession and finally recognized my niche for drawing out people’s talents, connecting them to careers, and helping them market themselves to employers as the perfect package that they are. I love eliciting people’s strengths and helping them to shine in the things that truly make them great!”
5. Live your brand
Now that you know who you are and why, live it out every day. That way, when people encounter your brand, they’ll know what it represents. Allow your brand to attract the kind of success you want to see in your life. Be authentic to who you are and never miss an opportunity to promote yourself. Be mindful of your surroundings and remember that first impressions are lasting. Be consistent when leveraging social media to promote your brand. Ensure consistent messaging and representation throughout your various social media profiles. Adjust your privacy settings on personal social media accounts if they have not been tailored to reflect your brand.
Personal branding is not easy fete, it takes time but it can also be a very rewarding process, allowing you to take a deep dive into some self-reflection and truly decide on the kind of professional you want to be.
For more tips and advice on personal branding, check out this LinkedIn Learning Course, called Creating Your Personal Brand
