Building your Personal Brand

“What will you bring to this role and organisation”? 

It is one of the most common interview questions around. But what does it mean? At this level, it’s time to get reflective. What will YOU bring? You’re an expert in your field, whether that is your business, discipline or industry. Your next senior move is likely to be about consolidating and further expanding your experience. It is as much about what you bring to the company, as they can offer you. 

Read on to read our tips for honing your personal brand to help you nail your career search and that next move. 

1. What is your USP? 

Imagine you are a brand or service. What are your key achievements? How can you define your experience? What are your passions? Which technical skills are your strongest? How do you manage people? What are your values?  

Your personal brand is your professional image that clearly defines what you’re good at and how others perceive you. You can also ask colleagues or those that know you what they think you are good at. 

Really think about where you want to go next and have a plan as to how you answer that brief. This is what your future employer will buy in to. 

 

2. Communicate your brand online 

A LinkedIn profile is a necessity these days. Does yours sell your USP? Most CV’s and profiles only get updated when we’re thinking about moving roles. Your LinkedIn profile is your professional window to the world so invest time in to continually maintaining it. 

Firstly, ensure your skills and experience are up to date and that your ‘About’ statement perfectly communicates your USP. Then consider your activity. Have a voice. Consider your values. Follow appropriate industry leaders or companies and share content with your own opinions. Get involved in discussions, just remember that everyone is watching! Keep it professional. 

Likewise, if Twitter or other channels are important for selling your personal brand in your industry, make sure you can be seen there, that people know what you offer, and comment or share tweets regularly.  

 

3. Be a thought leader 

Once your personal brand is mapped out and your online channels support it, you may want to invest some time in being a thought leader on your USP. Being a thought leader in your niche or industry is about elevating yourself from your day job and realising that what you specialise in may help others. By constantly learning from your environment, and being seen, you can begin to formulate a much more visible brand for yourself that can be beneficial to future career prospects. 

Join relevant social groups and attend events to start sharing your opinions. In time you produce your own content, whether it be a blog, or comments or interviews or presenting at events yourself.  

 

4. Network 

Key to underpinning your personal brand is to have a network that you can influence, learn from, and elevate your position. As well as being present on social networks, be proactive in relevant groups both online and in-person. Face-to-face meet ups (when allowed!) are great for forming strong bonds, and you can choose who you wish to network with.  

Most of us have to push through our comfort zones when networking. Start online, then gradually broaden your circle. Mentoring can be a great first step.  

Find out how your personal brand can help when interviewing with the C-suite here. 

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