When was the last time you Googled yourself?

I was catching up with a client in the senior HR space recently and they told me about a training session they had led for a group of people recently about personal branding. They asked this question to the group, and nearly everyone in the room had never, ever Googled themselves. They all jumped on their phones there and then, and had a slight shock when they saw how much about them and their lives was available for anyone and everyone to see online!

This Google search, along with every interaction you have with someone online or offline, is a major representation of your own personal brand.

In today’s world, when you’re hunting for a new role, your personal brand plays an important factor in securing your next position.

Think of personal branding as your secret weapon—it is all about creating a unique image for yourself that showcases your skills, values, and personality.

Having the right personal brand, will help you stand out from the crowd, build trust, expand your network and control your own narrative.

All of these factors will aid you in landing your next dream role!

Building Your Personal Brand:

• Know Yourself: Start by figuring out what makes you, you! What are you passionate about? What are your strengths? What do you want people to know about you? Understanding these things will help you create a brand that’s authentic and appealing.

• Google Yourself: Potential employers will more than likely do the same, so you should know what they’ll find. Check out your search results and make sure there’s nothing unprofessional or outdated. Clean up any old social media profiles or posts that don’t fit the image you want to project.

• Online Presence: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your skills and experience. Consider starting a personal website or blog to showcase your work and share your thoughts on industry trends.

• Share Your Knowledge: Posting articles, updates, or videos that highlight your expertise can establish you as a thought leader in your field.

• Be Consistent: Consistency is key in personal branding. Make sure your message, tone, and visual style are uniform across all your platforms.

• Engage and Network: Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities to come to you. Attend events, participate in online discussions, and join professional groups. Building relationships within your industry can lead to valuable opportunities.

In today’s job market, personal branding isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential.

By understanding your unique strengths, maintaining a consistent online presence, and actively engaging with your industry, you can make your job hunt more effective and enjoyable. And always remember, whatever you put out to the world online, it is generally available for the world to see!