Communicating Your Brand in a Job Search

It’s important to communicate your brand if you’re in a job search. You can leverage your brand in a job search to help you distinguish you from your competition; convey your value to an employer; and create a lasting image for contacts, recruiters, and hiring managers. If you’re competing against other candidates who have the same amount of experience, what is it about you that sets you apart from your competition? What makes you unique? It’s really important to know that about yourself. If you have the table stakes to get into the game, what is it about your brand that is going to tip the scales in your favor?  

Let’s say you’re in a job search and you’re competing with three other candidates for the same sales executive position. All of you have the same education level and the same number of years of experience. This particular sales executive position is for a global company. What sets YOU apart from your competition?  Of course you most likely won’t know WHO you’re competition is, but it’s important to know what makes you unique, relevant, and compelling.  Perhaps you have lived abroad for three years and know a second language. One of your attributes is "worldly.” That attribute could help tip the scales in your favor, setting you apart from your competition.

How we see ourselves may not be the same as others see us.  I was talking with a job seeker who said he is very confident in job interviews, but he did receive feedback from interviewers that he appeared arrogant. Being perceived as arrogant by interviewers can definitely impact whether or not he gets hired. That’s why it’s important to get feedback on how you are being perceived. This feedback can help provide information that is critical for your professional success.