Use Personal Branding to Get the Job
In today’s ever competitive job market, it is important for college students to stand out from the crowd of job applicants. People make choices every day when it comes to which brands of products they buy. You, too, must think of yourself as a “brand”; someone whose services can be bought by potential employers. Personal branding may be the key to unlocking the door to an entry level job after college.
Personal branding involves building an image of yourself that appeals to prospective employers. It tells them who you are and how you can benefit their business. Here are five ways entry level job candidates can create their own brand:
Gain Experience/Track Accomplishments – Think about your past accomplishments, and look for opportunities to improve any areas of weakness. College students should find internships to gain valuable experience in particular fields.
Complete Education/Training – After getting your college education, you may be required to have other training in your field. If you’re not sure, find someone in this area who can give you information concerning any requirements and/or offer suggestions.
Promote Yourself – Emphasize who you are and the qualifications that make you the best candidate for the job. Start by using a common form of promotion – the resume.
Become an Expert – Find ways to demonstrate your knowledge of a particular field. For example, sharing your thoughts with journalists and reporters to get quoted.
Build Relationships – Establish a network of contacts with people you trust, and allow them to promote you and your qualifications for the job.
College students shouldn’t see themselves as just entry level job candidates, but as individual brands. Personal branding gives them a chance to create an image that potential employers will want to consider for their business. Remember, you are the brand and the employer is the consumer; it’s up to you to make your brand better than the competition.
Information provided by Randall S. Hansen.
http://www.quintcareers.com/career_branding.html
