It’s important that you really understand and can articulate what your personal brand actually is and ensure it’s representing YOU in your CV. A CV is not about listing every single thing that you’ve done in the past, it’s about realising and sharing how you need potential employers to perceive you. This should be in line with your aspirations and ideal role skills and experiences for your future role. It’s your Sales Pitch. It needs to be clear and well-defined.
Key points on the importance of a clear brand
1. Stand Out and showcase your “Unique Value Proposition”
In a competitive job market, a clear brand sets you apart from other candidates. It highlights what makes you unique and why an employer should choose you over others. Your brand communicates your unique strengths, experiences, and qualities, making it easier for employers to understand the value you bring to their organisation.
2. Show Clarity and Focus
A strong, clear brand enables you to clearly communicate your career goals and aspirations, making it easier for potential employers to see how you fit into their organisation. By defining your brand, you can more effectively target roles or attract recruiters looking for your specific skills and experience.
3. Clear Sense of Direction
A consistent and professional brand builds credibility and trust with potential employers. It shows that you are serious about your career and have a clear sense of direction.
4. Consistency
A clear brand ensures consistency across all your professional platforms, including your CV, LinkedIn profile and other social media. This consistency reinforces your brand and makes it more memorable. A cohesive and clear brand improves your online presence and makes it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to find and recognise you.
Steps to Develop a Clear Personal Brand
Self-Assessment: Reflect and capture your skills, experiences, values, and career goals. Identify what makes you unique and what you want to be known for now.
Define Your Value Proposition: Clearly articulate what you offer to employers and how you can solve their problems or meet their needs.
Consistent Messaging: Ensure your CV, LinkedIn profile, and other professional materials consistently convey your brand.
Professional Online Presence: Optimize your LinkedIn profile and other relevant online platforms to reflect your brand.
Ask for Feedback: Ask for feedback from colleagues or mentors to refine and strengthen your brand.
For me, the first step in moving towards a new role is understanding the mechanisms of Career Planning, ensure you ask yourself the right questions to draw your line in the sand and be crystal clear about what your brand is. Get in touch if you’d like to know more about my Career Planning sessions and how it can help you to dig deep, listen to your heart and your gut and be clear about your personal brand.