“Building a brand means knowing your story and building and sharing that story.” —Tamara McCleary, founder and CEO of Thulium, LLC
While personal branding might seem reserved for social media influencers, the process of defining you can be useful to anyone. After identifying your priorities and abilities through self-discovery, you’ll connect that knowledge clearly to your professional goals.
If you’re considering or embarking on a career change, rebranding will be especially important to convey how your previous experience will apply to a different industry. Transferrable and soft skills can provide a consistent foundation as you adapt to new situations.
What is your mission statement?
A mission statement should reflect your values and provide direction for your decision making. For example, if one of your core values is environmental preservation, then you can incorporate sustainability into your mission statement and seek out organizations or opportunities that empower you to pursue that value.
Does your brand have growth potential?
Ultimately, your career will encompass a professional journey with many accomplishments along the way. When developing your brand, you’ll want to have an idea of how you will grow along this journey. Staying in the same role or industry over time will require growth as well, even if it’s as simple as changing with technology. Be sure to create a brand that allows for adaptation.
How does your brand benefit the employer?
Your personal brand is a unique blend of skills, connections and attributes that will fulfill an employer’s specific needs. To convey your value, be sure to include specific accomplishments that are relevant to your potential employers. Focus on experience and skills that also fit the work you want to do moving forward.
Which employer is the best fit for you?
Just as employers are assessing you to see if you fit their needs, so you should also be evaluating employers. With a clear personal mission statement, you can do research and ask questions that reveal which organizations align with your priorities and values. Use your brand to help you along the journey of building a worthwhile career.
Learn more about how to use a personal brand through Lynda.com, free with your library card.
Looking for more information?
Set up a virtual meeting with one of our certified Career Coaches through the Book a Learning Coach form or by calling 803-929-3400. After you submit, we will contact you to set an appointment. Our team provides help with interviewing skills, your résumé, interest/skills assessments, and more. Follow Richland Library on LinkedIn for career development tips and tidbits.