Career Services

NBC’s Today Show completed a segment on personal branding last week that has some great implications for job seekers. The link is included below:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/35233277#35233277

As you have probably heard on the news lately, Toyota is having some brand problems as they are facing another vehicle recall this week. The reason their brand is in jeopardy is the lack of trust consumers feel for them. This is a similar predicament job seekers may face after being let go or fired. Prospective employers may have trouble “trusting,” a candidate who is not currently employed. They question why this person may be seeking a job and what they can offer their company. 

To help you recover or develop your brand, here are some key points:

1.       Control the signals you send. Make sure prospective employers understand who you are an who you are not. You can do this by explaining briefly why you are job seeking and what you have to offer them.

2.       Make sure you are known for something. At a job fair, in your interview, or even on your resume, make sure there is a clear message being sent. If you are seeking a sales job, for example, make sure your message being sent includes your ability to build relationships and provide solutions for customers. 

3.       Be recognized for something. Part of any brand is the ability to be recognized by something. In the clip, we are reminded that Larry King is recognized by his suspenders and Michael Jackson for a white glove. Job seekers should be recognized for constant and consistent professionalism.

Working with students, the most impactful thing you can do for your existing career or a new job search is collect evidence of your success. Some examples include performance reviews, comments, letters, or emails from satisfied customers or co-workers, awards, brochures you have created or processes you have created or improved within your position or department.

When it comes time for your annual or quarterly review or you are preparing to write or improve your resume, evidence will help you “prove” why you are an asset. These pieces of evidence will also give you the language you need to describe your skills and accomplishments. Plus, if you are seeking a promotion or an interview, you can combine a lot of these tangible items into a professional portfolio to help your supervisor or prospective employer understand your strengths. 

Consider spending the next few months slowly gathering awards, accolades, and achievements in a box near your desk. By summer, you will be surprised how much you have accomplished!