Making a career move? You might be inclined to browse online ads, look into employers and network with acquaintances, but what if the first thing to consider isn't any of these steps? What if you began by…looking in the mirror?
Companies do their best to present themselves in a flattering light by enhancing their employer brand. It gets them the best candidates and workers. The converse is true — jobseekers give themselves the best chance to land that ideal position if they just spent a little time jazzing up their personal brand.
where to begin
Revising your CV or getting a few references won't be enough (although it doesn't hurt), but to make a real impact on employers, you should begin by maintaining a consistent and positive presence online. If an old classmate can find out about what you've been up to, so can prospective bosses.
To best present yourself, regularly update your status or share content on social media, focusing on LinkedIn and Twitter to boost your rankings. Make sure to share the content and postings of others also as this will help you further gain visibility and recognition from your network.
the importance of LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network with over 500 million users as of April 2017, so it's a great channel for featuring your brand. How to get the most out of it? Some tips:
- Ask your connections for recommendations.
- Link to work you've published or have had a hand in producing and showcase your experience and insights by regularly curating content that is related to your subject matter expertise.
- Add profile and cover photos, and make sure industry keywords are embedded in your headline to help employers looking for your skills.
- Are you knowledgeable about your field? Then share your opinions through a blog. There are many platforms to self-publish.
impress with your resume
When you've got your online presence in order, revisit your resume. If like most people you've put off tidying this document, make it a priority. Resumes may seem old fashion, but many hiring managers still start their in their search for candidates.
- Make sure your resume reads fluently and catches the eye.
- Simplify the design with “liberal” use of bullets.
- Hiring managers spend only six seconds scanning a resume so highlight the essentials to capture their attention.
Have you improved your personal branding and are you ready for the next career move?
Heb je werk gemaakt van jouw personal brand en ben je klaar voor de volgende carrièremove?