If you are in the job market at the moment, you may have noticed that every position attracts many more qualified applicants. It is a buyer’s market and employers are able to be very choosy about who they call for interview and appoint to the role. I know from speaking with clients this can be very disheartening. Clearly many candidates are well qualified and yet are missing opportunities because they are not seen as a perfect match.
Don’t despair. The best way to tackle this issue whether you are job hunting, applying for a job internally in your current organisation or would like to work with more clients is to effectively market yourself with a strong brand. Not only will this position you for opportunities now but it will set you on the path for future career success.
Firstly you will need to start thinking of yourself as a product or service that will add value to a future employer. And by developing a compelling and attractive self image or personal brand, you will become much more memorable in your chosen market; naturally standing out from the competition.
There are numerous advantages to having a strong image or personal brand:
- Employers or clients will be much more aware of your expertise
- You will be able to communicate with confidence the benefits you bring to the role and the organisation
- You will find that more opportunities and referrals open up as others with a better understanding of your capabilities will more readily refer you on.
Try these four simple steps to create your own individual brand and stand out in the job market:
Step 1: Block out some time when you won’t be disturbed and write down everything about yourself – strengths, talents, skills, interests, likes and dislikes, what gives you energy, what drains your energy, your passions. Really get down to the essence of who you are.
Step 2: Capture all the advantages of working with you. This could be anything from your ability to create time saving systems, resolve staff issues, ability to deliver on time and within budget, your flexibility, your stamina, your drive and determination. If you get stuck ask previous work colleagues, employers or friends what they have noticed.
Step 3: You may need help with the next stage as you translate this information into your marketing document that truly reflects your unique abilities, talents and skills.
Step 4: Finally look for all the opportunities to communicate this to the right people. Become known and recognised in your chosen market by attending meetings, speaking at events, joining professional associations, writing, volunteering, working on high profile assignments or contributing constructive ideas. It is still the case that the best way to get another job is through a referral via your network. To do this others need to know you and feel confident about recommending you.
Personal branding and marketing is an ongoing process as you naturally develop and grow. So continue to strengthen your expertise and refine who you are and what you offer. By investing in these steps you will soon be attracting rather than chasing after those opportunities.
If you would like help understanding your strengths and preferences the Insights Personal Discovery Profile helps you to gain a detailed understanding of your working style. Please click here for further information.
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