The job market is competitive. Hiring managers receive on average 250 resumes for each job they post, and employers are taking their time to ensure they hire the best candidates. A strong, established personal brand can help you stand out from the crowd.
Potential employers will Google you. According to a 2012 study, more than half of employers check out job applicants’ social media pages. They want to find out more about you—including the stuff that isn’t on your resume. They are looking for evidence that you are honest and creative and that you have good communication skills. They are also looking for any inappropriate content or behavior that could reflect poorly on their organization.
Personal branding shows you have leadership qualities. Taking a proactive approach to managing your reputation shows that you are a leader and demonstrates to potential employers that you would be an asset to their company.
Your personal brand can help you make important decisions. Once you have established a personal brand, you will need to make sure that your message is consistent. Thinking about how best to maintain your brand can help you make important career decisions now and down the road.
You will change jobs often. In the past, most people worked for one company their entire lives. Today the average person is expected to change jobs between 10 and 15 times. Your personal brand will reflect your entire career trajectory and will help future employers gain an accurate overall picture of your abilities.
Your personal brand is a chance to define yourself before someone else does. If you participate in any social media networks, you already have an online reputation. Take charge of that reputation before it takes charge of you.
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