Is a Personal Career Brand Key to a Successful Job Search?

The answer is undoubtedly:  Yes!

If you are feeling stuck in your job or flailing in your job search – key to your success may be a well-crafted, captivating Career Brand.

What is a Career Brand?

Your unique career brand differentiates you from other job candidates by accentuating who you are, what you can do and what you want to do next.

Like introducing any new product, launching your personal career brand requires self-reflection, research, perseverance, and skillful marketing.

Start with What’s Important to You

Your core values are an essential part of your career objective. What do you love most about your work? What aspects are the least enjoyable? What is most important to you in your work? Be truthful in your self-reflection.  Recognize areas of strength and accomplishment and uncover what truly drives you.

Know Yourself Beyond What You Can Do

We think of ourselves in terms of what we can do. Employers think of employees in terms of what they have done. To help others recognize your value, I advise my clients to develop a personal Career Brand that speaks to your key skills and achievements.

But creating your Career Brand is not about packaging yourself into what you think will sell. It is about highlighting your passions, experience and skills to a viable market.  The first step in launching any product (i.e. you) is to learn the market and evaluate demand for that product (i.e. jobs). Then, assess how your skills and key accomplishments meet specific market needs.

Next, Build Your Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is your opportunity to generate interest in your personal brand – YOU!  The rule of thumb is a good elevator pitch should last no longer than 30 seconds, the length of a short elevator ride.

When building your elevator pitch, think outside of yourself. As Josh Muccio, Founder and Producer of The Pitch podcast, said, “You know your idea inside and out. But to pitch it effectively to others you need to look at the big picture and understand your product through someone else’s eyes.” (source: Forbes)

Your message should be clear, succinct, and in as few words as possible.  My article:  How to Craft a Winning Elevator Pitch offers a 6-step guide to creating an elevator pitch that will get you noticed and into your next job.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice your elevator pitch in front of the mirror.  Practice in front of family and friends. Get comfortable speaking about your accomplishments and what you want to do next. Don’t assume others know you are looking for new career opportunities. It is up to you to tell them as clearly and concisely as possible what you want.

Be confident in your competence. Let your passion show!

Leverage your Career Brand – Mentors Lead the Way

As you launch your self-marketing campaign, seek positive role models and mentors who will provide support, guidance and leads. Don’t be shy about approaching someone whose work and successful life reflects that which you are striving for.  In a recent survey of 45 CEOs who had mentors, 84% reported that mentorship relationships helped them avoid expensive mistakes and learn insights into their career paths more quickly.” (Source: Fortune)

Don’t Give Up

Be dogged in your pursuit of your career goals.  Be flexible in the face of obstacles.  Like with marketing any product or service, it takes time. James McQueen, COO of Rumble, offers sage advice: “Expect naysayers, setbacks and highs and lows along the way…Follow your gut, put the work in and you’ll get there eventually.” 

Make the Shift Today

Get started! Raise your profile – within your organization and beyond by presenting an appealing Career Brand that speaks to who you are and what you can do to add value to organizations.

Read more:  Job Marketing: What’s Your Career Brand? with tips for shaping your personal Career Brand.

Author: Joanne Loberg of JL Careers Inc. is a Certified Executive Coach and Internationally Certified Career Management Professional.  She has a reputation as a highly sought after Career Consultant and she has been referred to as “an absolute expert at navigating the complex territory of career advancement.” Copyright JL Careers Inc.  All rights reserved.

Being overlooked by hiring managers and recruiters?  Not getting the results you want?

Joanne is offering Job Search Boot Camp for Professionals – an individual and customized job search program that focuses on what you need to launch a successful job search and land job offers.

Looking for insightful, tailored career coaching or retirement planning? Contact us today to learn how you can fast-track your career and create a life you’ll love.

Wishing you much career success!

Joanne Loberg
Certified Executive Coach & Internationally Certified Career Management Professional
JL Careers Inc