What are the key elements of a personal branding statement for your resume?

1 Know your target audience

Before you write your personal branding statement, you need to research your target industry, company, and role. Find out what are the main challenges, expectations, and values of your ideal employer and how you can align your skills and experience with them. You can use online tools, such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or company websites, to gather relevant information and insights. You can also network with people who work in your desired field and ask them for feedback and advice.

2 Define your value proposition

Your value proposition is the core of your personal branding statement. It describes what you can offer to your potential employer, how you can solve their problems, and what makes you different from other candidates. To define your value proposition, you need to identify your unique selling points, such as your achievements, awards, certifications, or testimonials. You also need to articulate your skills, abilities, and knowledge that are relevant to your target role and industry. You can use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to create specific and measurable examples of your value proposition.

3 Write your personal branding statement

Once you have your value proposition, you can write your personal branding statement in one or two sentences. You should use clear and concise language, avoid jargon and clichés, and tailor it to your target audience. You can use the following formula to structure your personal branding statement:

[Your name] is a [your profession or role] who [your value proposition].

For example:

Jessica Smith is a graphic designer who creates engaging and innovative visual solutions for clients across various industries.

You can also add a personal touch to your personal branding statement by mentioning your passion, values, or vision. For example:

Jessica Smith is a graphic designer who creates engaging and innovative visual solutions for clients across various industries. She is passionate about using design as a tool for social change and empowerment.

4 Place your personal branding statement strategically

Your personal branding statement should be placed at the top of your resume, under your name and contact details. It should be the first thing that the hiring manager sees when they scan your resume. You can also use your personal branding statement on your cover letter, LinkedIn profile, portfolio, website, or social media platforms. You should update your personal branding statement regularly to reflect your current goals, skills, and achievements.

5 Review and refine your personal branding statement

Your personal branding statement is an essential element of your professional identity and should be reviewed and refined on a regular basis. To evaluate your statement, ask yourself if it captures your unique value proposition and skills, matches your target audience's needs and expectations, showcases your personality and voice, uses clear and concise language, and stands out from the crowd. Additionally, seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or professionals in your field to gain insights on how to improve your statement. With this approach, you can create a personal branding statement that is accurate, relevant, and effective - one that will make a positive impression on potential employers.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?