Brand yourself! (or Who are you really?)

November 6, 7:21 PMRaleigh Job Search ExaminerRoxanne Ravenel

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A strong personal brand can build hiring managers' confidence.

"Who are you, really?"

One of the characters in the movie I Am Sam asks that question and it's always stuck with me. 

Though the character was paranoid and had other issues, he posed an excellent question. That’s what recruiters and potential employers want to know.

They are trying to look beyond the facade we typically put up during an interview or networking encounter. Who is it that will show up to work each day? Will that person fit their company culture and add value to their team? A strong personal brand will help answer that question and communicate your value to employers. So how can you develop a strong personal brand?

What is a personal brand?

Your personal brand is a consistent image that is distinctly you. It creates your perceived value and distinguishes you from your competitors. 

Whether you’ve consciously created a personal brand or not, you already have one. It is basically what your co-workers, bosses, teachers, clients, and others think of you. Are you known for going above and beyond what is required of you? Do you get things done around your office? Or do you have a reputation for being a complainer or a slacker?

No matter what your personal brand is currently, you have the power to reinvent yourself and your career by creating and nurturing a personal brand of your choosing. 

Create your personal brand statement by deciding how you would like to be regarded by others in your work. That is only the beginning. Your personal brand is far more than what you say you are. It is evidenced in everything you do. Once you’ve decided on your personal brand it will guide you in making calculated career, education, and volunteer decisions. In turn, each prudent choice you make will build, strengthen, and promote your personal brand.

Hiring and training a new employee represents an enormous expense for employers. Making the correct hiring choice is important to their bottom line. That's why it's so important for them to know who are you, really. Developing a strong personal brand can help hiring decision-makers come to that conclusion with confidence.