FROM JOB SEEKER TO JOB KEEPER: BUILDING A PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL BRAND

Building a strong brand throughout your career journey helps you stand out and fosters long-term success. There is a distinction between job seeking, holding a job, retaining a job, and building a career. A job seeker is someone who is open to new opportunities, regardless of qualifications. Holding a job refers to successfully obtaining the position you applied for. A job keeper is someone who retains their position by working smart and hard, while a job builder actively develops a unique professional identity or brand with which they are associated. As an individual in the workforce, it is advisable to establish a career brand identity that will help you stand out and gain recognition. In building both a professional and personal brand, you must first engage in self-identification.

Self-identification is one of the key aspects to consider. Take the time to reflect on yourself. Identify your strengths, weaknesses, values, goals, and passions. You need to determine what you excel at, what your unique skills are, which profession you are passionate about, and the reasons behind that passion. Additionally, consider the values you want to incorporate into your work, your career goals, and how you want others to perceive you. These are just a few of the many factors to consider when building your professional and personal brand.?

Next, you need to focus on enhancing your academic qualifications and developing your skills to acquire new knowledge that aligns with emerging industry trends. As a professional, it is essential to engage in lifelong learning and continuously refine your expertise until you achieve mastery in your field. Your skills and academic growth should be aligned with the profession you aspire to pursue. Whether through professional programs, certifications, or practical experience, remaining relevant and adaptable is crucial.

Thirdly, build a robust network, both online and offline. It is essential to connect with others, expand your reach, create awareness, and allow people to understand who you are and what you excel at. Take advantage of every opportunity to network, whether in your workplace, educational institution, corporate and social events, or on social media.??

Also, consider having a mentor and a career coach who can assist you in shaping your career by providing guidance, support, and strategies to overcome the challenges you encounter in your field. Career coaches are experts in career planning and can help individuals advance in their careers. Therefore, as part of your professional branding, it is essential to have both a career coach and a mentor who can contribute to your success in your profession.?

Leverage your digital presence. Go beyond traditional branding and make effective use of digitalization. In today’s era, your online presence is a significant component of your brand. Utilizing social media platforms such as LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and your own website can help you build a strong brand, create awareness, expand your network, impact lives, and influence how viewers perceive your brand. Use these platforms to share meaningful content related to your industry, articles about your field, and insights into your expertise. Additionally, engage in online discussions, join industry groups, and participate in forums with other professionals, as these activities can enhance your credibility and expand your network.

Finally, building a lasting professional and personal brand goes beyond merely securing a job; it involves creating a career that reflects your strengths, values, aspirations, and passions. This ensures that you are not just part of an organization but are a key contributor and an influential player in your field.