Branding Matters
Index
1. The importance of your personal brand in job hunting
2. What is a personal brand and why does it matter?
3. How to build your personal brand
4. Communicating your personal brand
5. How your personal brand helps you secure a role
6. Final thoughts
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1. The importance of your personal brand in job hunting
In today’s competitive job market, landing your ideal role takes more than just submitting a CV and hoping for the best. Employers and recruiters now look far beyond a candidate’s application to form a complete picture of their skills, values, and reputation. Your personal brand – the way you present yourself both online and offline – has become one of the most powerful tools in securing an interview, standing out from competitors, and ultimately landing the role you want.
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It's important to understand how to build and manage your personal brand and how to craft and communicate it effectively through LinkedIn, your CV, and networking, and how it can give you a decisive edge. You will need to identify your values, achievements, and ethos to shape your professional image.
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2. What is a personal brand and why does it matter?
A personal brand is the unique combination of your skills, experience, values, and reputation that makes you stand out from others. Think of it as the story you tell the world about yourself – not just what you do, but who you are, how you do it, and what you stand for. In job hunting, your personal brand is what helps recruiters, hiring managers, and industry professionals connect with you, understand your value, and remember you.
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First impressions are made online: Recruiters often review your LinkedIn profile before contacting you. A polished, professional, and authentic personal brand will encourage them to take your application seriously. (See LinkedIn Tips & Best Practice resource).
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It sets you apart from competitors: In a saturated job market, a strong personal brand highlights why you are the best choice for a role.
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It reflects who you are: Employers want candidates who align with their values and company culture. Your personal brand communicates this alignment.
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It builds trust and credibility: A consistent personal brand expressed across your CV, LinkedIn, and in interviews builds confidence in your skills and experience.
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If you click HERE you will find a YouTube video that gives a good explanation of why having a coherent and unique Personal Brand is so critical when you are job hunting.
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3. How to build your personal brand
Identify your unique talents and skills
Start by asking yourself:
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What are my core strengths and skills?
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What achievements am I most proud of?
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How do I add value to organisations or teams?
Take time to reflect on your professional experience. Use specific examples to demonstrate your strengths, such as leading a successful project, improving processes, or mentoring a team member. The clearer you are about what you excel at, the easier it is to communicate this to potential employers. Ask colleagues or friends for feedback to identify strengths you may not recognise in yourself.
Define your values and ethos
Your personal brand isn’t just about skills; it’s also about your values and ethos. Employers want to know how you work and what drives you. Are you someone who values innovation, collaboration, or integrity? What motivates you to succeed?
By clearly articulating your values, you ensure that you attract roles and organisations that align with who you are. This creates better job satisfaction and makes you a stronger cultural fit. So if, for example, you value collaboration, your personal brand could emphasise your ability to build relationships and lead diverse teams.
Highlight your achievements
Achievements are evidence of the value you bring. When crafting your personal brand, focus on accomplishments that are:
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Relevant: Align with the needs of your target employers.
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Specific: Use measurable results where possible (e.g., “Increased revenue by 25%”).
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Impactful: Showcase how your work positively influenced the organisation or team.
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4. Communicating your personal brand
Once you have identified your key skills, values, and achievements, the next step is to communicate your personal brand effectively across key platforms: your CV, LinkedIn, and networking interactions.
Your CV
Your CV is often the first touchpoint between you and a potential employer, so it must reflect your personal brand clearly. Tailor it to each application by aligning your skills and achievements with the requirements of the role. (See CV Advice & Best Practice resource).
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Professional summary: Open with a strong summary that reflects your brand – who you are, what you’re good at, and your value.
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Achievements over duties: Focus on your key accomplishments rather than just listing responsibilities.
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Consistency: Ensure that your tone and messaging align with your LinkedIn profile.
Your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is arguably the most important platform for showcasing your personal brand. Employers and recruiters frequently use it to find and evaluate candidates. (See Linkedin Tips & Best Practice resource).
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Your Headline: This is your personal brand statement. Focus on who you are and what you do, not just your job title.
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Your About summary: Use this section to tell your story. Highlight your values, key achievements, and the value you offer employers.
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Content and activity: Build credibility by sharing relevant content, posting insights, or engaging with others’ posts in your industry.
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Key words: Recruiters search for candidates using keywords. Make sure your profile includes key skills and industry-relevant terms.
Networking
Networking, both online and offline, is crucial in job hunting. Your personal brand should inform how you introduce yourself, communicate, and build relationships. (See Networking Tips & Benefits resource).
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Elevator pitch: Prepare a concise statement that summarises your skills, values, and experience.
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Engage authentically: Focus on building genuine relationships rather than simply asking for job leads.
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Use LinkedIn: Connect with industry professionals, recruiters, and colleagues, and don’t be afraid to message hiring managers directly to introduce yourself.
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5. How your personal brand helps you secure a role
A well-crafted personal brand does more than just make you look good on paper. It creates opportunities, builds trust, and ensures you stand out from competitors. It also demonstrates that you take your career and your professional growth seriously.
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It gets you noticed: Employers will recognise your clear value proposition and how you align with their needs.
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It builds confidence: When you understand and communicate your brand, you present yourself more confidently in interviews.
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It shows you are proactive: Managing your personal brand demonstrates that you are committed to your career.
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It aligns you with the right roles: A strong brand attracts roles and organisations that match your skills, values, and goals.
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6. Final thoughts
Your personal brand is one of the most important tools in today’s job market. By intentionally building and communicating it, you differentiate yourself from competitors, build trust, and showcase the value you bring.
Take the time to reflect on your skills, values, and achievements. Optimise your CV and LinkedIn profile to tell a consistent, compelling story about who you are. Most importantly, stay authentic and let your passion shine through in every interaction.
Your personal brand is what will get you the interview and potentially even the job you deserve. So invest in it, nurture it, and let it work for you.
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