How to Develop Your Personal Brand: Making You Hirable and More Desirable
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“A qualified employee must be organized, possess skills in word processing, and be a team player.” Sound familiar? These are some of the basic qualifications many employers look for in an employee, and unless you’re planning on joining the circus, you don’t exactly need to know how to juggle fire to be considered “qualified.” However, these qualifications won’t cut it if you want your personal brand to be outstanding.
Think of it this way: A hirable actor can memorize all his lines before the show. A hirable actor takes direction. A desirable actor is a triple threat, a jack of all trades, and a sought-after performer- that automatically increases his hirability. So, how can you develop more than just the basic skills you need to do a job so that your personal brand gets you a great reference, a possible promotion and will make you sought-after by employers?
Keep your attitude positive as often as you can. This point reminds me of my favorite hot-dog stand worker. Every day the man who runs the hot-dog stand down to road from my house seems like the happiest guy around. Even in the pouring rain he never forgets to ask, “So, how is your day going? Got anything fun planned?” I’ve bought hot-dogs from him a few times just to be around his optimism. His positive attitude has helped him do business. And, with a positive attitude you’ll simply look more confident — and when it comes to personal branding, looks matter!
Get inspired. John Mayer once said that the movie “Back to the Future” was his inspiration to learn to play guitar. In fact, most successes stem from inspirations. Not many people were born exemplifying the behaviors that take them to the top. Learn from someone else and follow their lead. The actions and behaviors of others can help shape your character that will make you stand out in the work world. Everyone needs inspiration before they excel, and the right inspiration that fits your goal sets will help you as you develop your personal brand.
Familiarize yourself with the latest in technology. In a digital, fast-paced world it’s important you stay on top of the latest in high-tech stuff. Even if the job you’re after only requires knowledge in Microsoft Word or Excel, learning how to use other programs such as editing software (Final Cut Pro, Avid Express) or digital design programs (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, After Effects) will give you a leg up when you want to prove you’re technically well-rounded. Plus, you never know when your boss is looking for someone to put together a funny video to show at the company picnic. Guess who’s getting a “tech savvy” reputation?
Keep your intent in check. You know what you want your brand to convey, but does everyone? Find a test audience such as family members and close friends (people who aren’t in charge of determining your employability) and make sure you have developed a persona that comes across the way you intend it to.
Maintain your neutrality. I was given a pay increase at a previous job I held because I was “the only employee who never seemed to gossip about other employees,” according to my boss. Keep a neutral perspective on situations at work and do not gossip about your co-workers. You’ll appear much more trustworthy and dependable, both components of a strong personal brand.
Standing out from co-workers or other job candidates is crucial if you hope to move up in the ranks, especially in a competitive job market. Not only should you develop a reputation that will pave the way to success, but take note of what brands haven’t worked for you or others so you know what to avoid in the future.
Adrienne is a Syracuse University student from Danbury, CT majoring in Writing and Rhetoric with a Leadership Communication minor. She is a big fan of impressionist art, ocean views and classic rock. She hopes to one day have her name in the credits of a hit film whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera.
Article by, Adrienne Becker and courtesy of Brand-Yourself.com for actionable tips to put you in a position of power in the job market
