Employers are no longer accepting just a good worker, they are hiring personal brand. And, if you play your cards right, they may be hiring your brand!

Do you have “the Brand” Employers are looking for?

Interviews are not just about skills, experience, and a resume… They are about character, integrity, ethics and the kind of person they are inviting into their company. They are not just looking for a person who can get the job done, they are looking for a person who can excel in the position both in terms of ability but also interpersonal skills. In other words, you may have all the right things but can you do all the right things?

When you enter a networking event, this is no different. Not only do you have to convince employers and potential connections that you possess the right skills but also are a person they want to connect with.

What’s the Point of a Personal Brand?

If you never take a moment to define your personal brand in professional networking events, you unfortunately won’t make the type of connections you need to leverage your network.

Let’s think about it for a second. You have an old friend that needs a job referral where you currently work. He’s a great accountant, but he was let go due to risky financial practices. Would you put your reputation on the line for your friend’s character? I wouldn’t, and neither should you, because you have a brand to protect.

The same holds true for recruiters and professional peers who you may want to refer you to an open position.

5 Ways to Show Off your Personal Brand

1. Personal Declarations (i.e. Interviews, elevator speeches)
2. Social Media
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Volunteer & Community Activities
5. Inter-personal Interactions

So let me ask you, do you have a brand that reflects that employers want?
When I am looking for candidates, here are my top 6 most desired qualities

Top Qualities in a Candidate’s Personal Brand

1. Integrity: I want to know whether a candidate has a commitment to honesty and doing the right thing. An honest employee will always do the right thing in their interactions with the company, their peers and customers. I can usually ask a few questions concerning ethical decision making to figure this out.
2. Industriousness: This one is a bit obvious. I want to hire a hard worker who is going to complete the job with the highest quality. I don’t want a lazy or inconsistent candidate. This trait can be easily discerned from accomplishments. For example, did a candidate just complete the duties required of them, or did they go above and beyond? Additionally, I can assess the candidate’s behavior and ability to follow through during the recruitment process.
3. Team Player: Being a team player is critical, even when you are a leader or when you are an independent worker. On some level, each employee will need to interact and collaborate with each other. Doesn’t it make it easier if they are easy and enjoyable to work with? A candidate who is able to speak of successful team interactions is a candidate that I am interested in.
4. Motivated: If I have two candidates who are equally as qualified but one is just a little more excited to do the job… who would you say I am more interested in hiring? Need I say more? I am always looking for candidates who are most excited to do the job

Make sure that during your next interview or networking event you are using every moment to portray not only your skills but your character as well. One of your best traits might just get you the job!

Are you trying you build your Professional Network?

So you have a personal brand, great! But do you have a strategic networking action plan? If not, you definitely want to read – “How to prepare for your next networking event”. 

Are you trying you get ahead in your job search?

My course, the resume roadmap shows you how you can show you how to leverage a personal brand in your job search and accelerate your career. Learn more by going here:  https://training.hrformillennials.com/go