Come sit ’round the fire, job seekers!
Let’s talk about something more valuable than your resume in the job hunt jungle: your brand.
Does it sound like a marketing buzzword?
Yes.
But IS it some kind of marketing buzzword?
…yes. But it’s actually the real deal this time.
It’s not just about what’s on your resume; it’s about who you are and how you present yourself to the world.
So, I’ve been chatting with a bunch of people lately (including some of you reading this), one on one, and when I ask about their brand, I see a lot of deer-in-the-headlights looks.
Blank stares, awkward laughs, you name it. I’ve also been hearing a lot of confusion on things like how and where to start in the job search, especially for those of y’all who are looking to change industries. Very understandable. It’s like we’re all in this maze, and nobody’s sure where the exit is.
But here’s the thing: your brand is your map. It’s what guides you to the right opportunities and helps you stand out from the crowd (click here for help on that).
Here are four solid reasons why nailing your brand is the key to job hunting success:
1. CAREER ALIGNMENT
Ever feel like you’re wandering aimlessly through a job fair, not sure which booths to check out? Your brand is like a compass, pointing you toward roles that fit your skills and values like a glove. It’s all about finding your groove and going after the gigs that make your heart sing, both from a values standpoint and a skills standpoint.
2. IMPACT COMMUNICATION
Hiring managers are busy people. Recruiters are also busy people. They don’t have time to decode your resume and figure out what you bring to the table. You need to be able to do this quickly by identifying what’s important to them, and drawing accurate parallels between what they need and what you have. That’s where your brand comes in handy. It’s your elevator pitch, your value proposition, your secret sauce for showing them why you’re the right person for the job. It’s what allows you to clearly communicate how you can move the needle in a way that is unique and necessary.
Oh, and if you’re wondering about how to communicate the transferability of your skills (I’m lookin’ at y’all, education and non-profit professionals) this is at the core of that.
3. NETWORKING PROWESS AND OPPORTUNITIES
You’ve heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Well, your brand is your VIP pass to the networking party. When people know who you are and what you’re all about, they’re more likely to hook you up with the right opportunities and introduce you to their circle of connections.
4. CONSISTENCY & RECOGNIZABILITY
Think of your branding as your personal logo. You want it to be consistent across all your job hunt materials — your LinkedIn profile, your resume, your cover letter, you name it. That way, when employers see your brand popping up everywhere, they’ll recognize you and remember you more.
Figuring out your brand is not obvious, but it’s worth the effort. So, if you’re feeling lost in the job hunt wilderness, take a step back, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and let’s figure it out together.
The Build Your Transferable Brand program is meant to help you craft a brand that you are clear on and ready to use to your advantage in your job search.
Your brand will help you set yourself apart from others via the stories you craft in your resume and cover letter, interviews, LinkedIn, and networking opportunities. The transferability of your skills and the value of your impact will be clearer to the people you come in contact with.
And it’s only two sessions! If you’re still job searching or considering a pivot, meet with me for two sessions and I’ll have you up and running with a newly crafted brand you can actively use to your advantage this spring.
Early bird pricing is still active, so the program is only $295 and will last until May 5th. Click here and let’s get started!
Be Gallant Coaching 