Building a Personal Brand.... That Recruiters Will Notice

Its generally acknowledged that now more than over, the importance of personal branding in today’s digital age. But is this necessary when you are looking for a job?

In this edition of Jolly Good Hires, we take a look at personal branding, especially on professional platforms such as LinkedIn and how that could increase your chance of being noticed.... for the right reasons!

Recruiters are increasingly using platforms like LinkedIn and social media to find and vet candidates and if you are an active member on these platforms chances are you will have a better chance of showing up on their respective feeds.

As a candidate, you need to take charge of your online presence as part of their career development strategy, so lets take a look at how you can do this:

Step into the Spotlight – Have the Courage to Post

The fear of judgment stops many people from posting content, but it’s crucial to overcome this fear. Everyone starts somewhere and remember - perfection isn't the goal, be you! everyone has an opinion and ready yourself for some comments that may put across a different view. Remember - Nobody starts out as an expert, and everyone’s voice deserves to be heard!

Many people feel intimidated by the idea of posting their thoughts or content online, worrying they don’t have enough to say or that their insights won’t be valuable.

Here’s the truth: you’ll never know until you start.

Respect others who are putting themselves out there, even if their content isn’t flawless. They’re learning, just like you will be. The key is to take that first step, whether it’s sharing an industry-related article, offering a comment on a discussion, or posting your thoughts on a recent development in your field.

Start small and build your confidence. Your voice is unique, and it deserves to be part of the conversation.

Posting with Purpose – Adding Value

While it’s important to be visible online, don’t fall into the trap of posting for the sake of it. Meaningful content is what makes you stand out to recruiters, not just noise.

Posting frequently doesn’t necessarily mean posting well. What you share should have purpose, whether it’s showcasing your skills, sharing valuable insights, or offering thought leadership in your industry/sector.

Remember, you’re not just building a profile; you’re building credibility.

Focus on what will resonate with your audience. Share experiences, discuss trends, and contribute insights that are worth a recruiter’s time. Quality always beats quantity, and thoughtful, valuable content is what gets you noticed.

Building Trust

It’s easy to spot someone who’s just trying to sell themselves versus someone who genuinely has something to offer. Share your real career journey, namely what you’ve learned, the challenges you’ve faced, and the successes you’ve achieved.

It’s this authenticity that will make recruiters take notice and trust what you bring to the table.

Avoid the temptation to only post the “perfect” version of yourself. It’s the behind the scenes stories and personal reflections that often have the most impact.

The Role of Engagement

Personal branding is not just about posting; it’s about engaging with others in meaningful ways.

Interacting with others’ content, asking insightful questions, and joining discussions in your field helps build relationships and keeps you on recruiters' radar. Active engagement shows that you’re involved and invested in your industry, which can be just as valuable as posting original content.

It’s not about shouting the loudest - it’s about contributing thoughtfully and consistently.

Conclusion

Start building today!

The first step to building a personal brand is often the hardest. But with the right mindset and a focus on adding value, you can create an online presence that works for you. Whether you’re just starting to post or refining the content you already share, remember: it’s about authenticity, value, and engagement. Stop worrying about judgment, and start focusing on how you can use your online presence to showcase your expertise and personality.

Building a brand takes time, but every post, comment, and interaction brings you closer to being noticed by the right people.