Branding yourself is essential to any professional, but for job seekers, it’s an exceptionally crucial tool. With a well-established brand, you’ll create an impressive presentation to get yourself noticed and, more importantly, remembered. In today’s changing market, ensure your personal branding and job search go hand in hand to set yourself ahead of the pool of applicants and land that dream job.
Your resume no longer stands as strongly as it once did. Instead, recruiters and hiring managers now examine you through a variety of mediums. Yes, the resume still counts. But so does your LinkedIn profile, social media, blogs, personal websites, and the all-encompassing Google search results. Establishing yourself across these mediums will not only make yourself more visible, but it will strengthen and validate your brand and provide the first impression you want.
Establishing and creating your personal brand also takes the power into your own hands when it comes to online content. If there is unflattering on unprofessional content of you online, others will see it in your job search. Do what you can to remove it, then work on creating a better presence for yourself through stronger, more updated, and more accessible content.
Zac Johnson of The Search Engine Journal advises job seekers to amp up their online presence with a digital resume, a website in your name, and through networking, Source: Flickr.
Online resumes
As for resumes, gone are the days of word docs. Instead, online marketer Zac Johnson advises publishing your resume online. Of course, there is always the LinkedIn standard. Johnson also recommends Completed.com, or check out The Next Web for more options. These digital alternatives will make your application stand out amongst others and allow you to more fully display all of your accolades and achievements.
YourName.com
Johnson also advises job seekers to obtain their own website. If you haven’t already, secure your name as your domain. If you have a common name, consider adding your middle initial or playing with the .com, .net, or .org. Once you’ve secured your URL, set up a blog or website as a launch pad for your online presence. Try Squarespace if you haven’t already created your own website. Complete with beautiful templates, tech support, and a low monthly price, Squarespace is the ideal platform for job seekers and professionals alike. Plus, your own personal URL will secure your digital presence and promise high visibility in online searches.
Networking
Johnson’s third point of advice for job hunters is to build connections. Networking, as we all know, is essential to any professional, especially those in search of employment. Knowing more people simply provides more opportunities. Make an effort to meet other professionals and work to maintain those relationships. Expand your networks on social media and LinkedIn to make yourself more searchable and visible. Knowing the right people could just launch you into that coveted career.
When it comes to personal branding and your job search, what do you think of Johnson’s advice? Have you had success using any of these tactics? Leave a comment and let us know!