A Guide to Starting Your Personal Brand
Personal branding is very important when making the transition from college to the professional world. Here we offer some tips and tricks for setting up your brand!
September 11th, 2023
At Katapult Network, we understand that people are more than just a resume and jobs are more than just a list of tasks. We're a recruiting company that takes a human-focused approach to the job search where we're able to match college graduates with entry-level, professional jobs. Whether you're a job-seeker looking to start your professional career or a hiring manger seeking to build your future leadership at the entry-level, we're excited to be your partner in navigating the search process.
In today's fast-paced world, where first impressions often occur online, creating a personal brand has become essential for career success. Employers no longer rely solely on resumes and interviews; they want to hire individuals who not only possess the right skills but also fit seamlessly into their team culture. That's where your personal brand comes into play, allowing you to market yourself to potential employers in ways a resume cannot. According to Search Engine Journal (SEJ), “projecting your brand and its values to the world ensures that your target audience knows who you are, what you stand for, and why choosing you over your competitors is worthwhile.” In an age dominated by digital networking through social media, it's crucial to make your brand visible across various platforms.
Chosing Your Platforms:
To embark on the journey of building your personal brand, begin by selecting three social media platforms that align with your goals and target audience. Among the most relevant platforms for professionals are Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Each platform offers a unique set of advantages, so choose those that resonate most with your personal brand.
Getting Started- Define Your Brand:
1. Identify your values and personality- Start by reflecting on your core values and personality traits. What do you stand for? What makes you unique? Your personal brand should be an authentic reflection of yourself.
2. Clean up your online presence- Google your own name and carefully review the search results. Anything that doesn't align with the conclusion of your values and personality should be addressed. Make necessary adjustments to your online presence.
3. Privacy settings- Ensure that any social media accounts you don't want to include in your personal brand are set to private. This way, potential employers won't stumble upon personal content that doesn't belong in your professional brand.
4. Consistency is key- Maintain a consistent name and profile picture across all your chosen platforms. This makes it easier for people to recognize and connect with your personal brand.
5. Content creation- Now that you've established your online presence, it's time to start posting content that revolves around your personality, values, and ambitions.
Content Creation- Do's and Don'ts:
While you're free to express yourself on your personal social media accounts, it's wise to keep certain types of content off your professional platforms. Here are some guidelines for creating content that strengthens your personal brand:
1. Stay consistent: Consistency is crucial. Make sure your content consistently reflects your personal brand's values and personality.
2. Positive impact: Aim to create content that makes a positive impact. Share insights, knowledge, and inspiration that align with your brand.
3. Tell a story: Use your posts to tell your story. Highlight your journey, challenges, and accomplishments. This helps create a personal connection with your audience.
4. Professionalism: Maintain professionalism on your chosen professional platforms. Avoid controversial topics or content that may be divisive.
5. Have fun: Building your personal brand should be an enjoyable process. Don't forget to inject a sense of fun and enthusiasm into your content.
Remember, your personal brand is a dynamic entity that evolves over time. As you grow personally and professionally, your brand should reflect these changes. Building a strong personal brand takes time and effort, but the benefits in terms of career opportunities and personal growth are well worth it. Start today, and watch your personal brand help you stand out in the digital age.
