As a job seeker, building and maintaining your personal brand is crucial to stand out and stay in front of potential employers. Your personal brand should communicate what you bring to the table and what differentiates you from the competition. However, it is not enough to build your personal brand and expect your audience to find you. You need to find different avenues to let your brand “shine bright” so that you attract your target audience. Here are some strategies to keep your brand visible to employers, recruiters, and influencers.
LinkedIn Presence
Create a compelling LinkedIn profile that showcases your unique story, skills, experience, and achievements. Use the Professional Headline, About, Experience, and Skills sections to show the “proof” of your personal brand. Use keywords to increase your SEO to pull recruiters and employers to your profile. In addition, secure and add recommendations to your LinkedIn profile to increase your credibility. Regularly share industry-related articles, insights, and updates to establish yourself as a thought leader. Here are the top 10 ideas on what to post on LinkedIn.
Personal Website/Blog
Develop a personal website or blog where you can showcase your portfolio, projects, and expertise. A blog allows you to showcase your knowledge and expertise in your field. Writing about relevant topics demonstrates to potential employers that you have a deep understanding of your industry and can contribute valuable insights. It also shows employers you know how to write.
Social Media
Utilize online platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or professional forums relevant to your industry. Share relevant content, engage with others, and express your opinions to show your passion and expertise. This can attract attention from employers looking for candidates who are knowledgeable and engaged in their industry. Following and engaging with companies you’re interested in can give you insights into their culture, values, and job openings. It also shows your genuine interest in their organization.
Networking
Attend in-person industry-related events, seminars, webinars, and conferences. These events provide opportunities to meet professionals in your field, exchange information, and get introduced to others who may be helpful in your career journey. Join online networking groups and forums. Participate in discussions, share your insights, and connect with others in your industry. Forbes offers job seekers great tips on how to jump-start your networking efforts.
Content Creation
Write articles and blog posts, or create videos about topics related to your field. Sharing valuable content can position you as an authority and attract the attention of potential employers. Guest post on reputable websites or contribute to industry publications to expand your reach. Udemy offers a useful, low-cost beginner’s course on creating content for social media.
Engage with Industry Influencers
Interact with influencers and thought leaders in your industry. Engage with their content, share your insights, and build relationships that can enhance your visibility. Employers hire people they trust. Trust is built through relationships. Establish the relationship first before applying for the job.
Professional Development
The job market is dynamic, and staying relevant and competitive requires ongoing skill development and knowledge acquisition. Attend workshops, take online courses, and earn relevant certifications to demonstrate your commitment to growth. Start by learning what the most sought-after skills are for your occupation and market. LinkedIn published its 2023 Workplace Learning Report which showcases the most in-demand skills, based on LinkedIn job listings and by job role, and a recent LinkedIn blog post makes recommendations on the LinkedIn course to complete to sharpen that skill.
Showcase Achievements
Highlight your accomplishments on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other platforms. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities. It’s natural to feel a bit uncomfortable when talking about your achievements, as you might worry about coming across as bragging or arrogant. However, effectively communicating your accomplishments is crucial during the job search process.
Feedback and Recommendations
Request endorsements and recommendations from current or past supervisors, colleagues, mentors, clients, vendors, and employees. Acquiring recommendations and endorsements can significantly enhance a job seeker’s credibility and attractiveness to potential employers. These endorsements serve as testimonials from individuals who have worked closely with you, vouching for your skills, qualities, and work ethic.
Make sure you maintain consistency in your messaging across all platforms. Your personal brand should have a unified voice, tone, and message that aligns with your career goals.
Conclusion
By regularly applying these strategies, you can ensure that your brand remains visible and relevant to your target audience as a job seeker.
Need help on your personal brand? Allow me to help! Contact me via LinkedIn or email to start the conversion.