Are you a Job Seeker or just Job Seeker Curious – Think about your Brand

“My Brand” you exclaim, but I’m not a business! Well, technically you’re right, but if you’re on social media "as your work self," such as on LinkedIn, or if you have your CV uploaded to job boards “just in case” then you do have a brand. You just may not be so aware of it.

In an increasingly digital world, your brand, whether polished or not is on show for anyone to see. As such, you are open to perceptions being made about "your brand." Here are my quick tips to smarten up your on line image. This isn’t just for job seekers, this is valuable to support promotion opportunities, and also to grow your network with individuals that could benefit you in your day job.

1.      Linkedin Profile. This one is really simple. Linkedin will guide you, and remind you every time you link in, on which areas should be completed. A profile, a short bio about yourself, and your career history are basics. Completing these areas allows people to quickly assess your profile and make a decision on whether to accept your LinkedIn connection.

2.      Connections. By adding relevant connections, people that you’ve worked or studied with, clients etc, their content will come up in your newsfeed, and hopefully, if they’re relevant connections, your newsfeed will be quite interesting! You can also follow companies, influencers, and join groups. Take a look at the hashtag function too, that will increase the content into your newsfeed from those that are posting something within your field of interest, but you’re just not connected yet.

3.      Your CV. It’s just that, YOURS! I can never tell candidates enough, when your CV is on a job board, recruiters can see it, and the more unscrupulous recruiters will market your CV without your knowledge. Yes it does happen. It shouldn’t, it's an awful practice and a cowboy way of working, but it happens, a lot! You are able to upload a profile which is confidential onto most sites, and it will hide your personal details, and your employer details. Any recruiter would then have the opportunity to send you a message through the job board and request your CV. You’re then in control of providing consent for a recruiter to use your CV, or not. If they can’t see it, they can’t take it!

4.      Content. Media is so different to when I started recruitment 20 years ago. When I worked within Financial Services, I collected the FT on my way to work every morning. I don’t know about you, but I rarely pick up a paper now. I have my apple news app which filters out where the Kardashians are currently vacationing and prioritises all things Badger or Climate related. Your LinkedIn network love to see content from you. It might be an on line article you’ve just read, it might be sharing news of a recent award that your company has won. You content secures your standing within your on line community.

5.      Your Appearance. I’m going for an old fashioned one here. And it’s aimed at your physical appearance, you know, when you actually meet people ?? It’s old, but a tried and tested strategy. Dress for a level up from where you are, or 2, or 3. By looking the part, your seniors can imagine you as the part. Don’t wait to be granted an interview for promotion, act up a level, dress up a level, and show your passion for your subject matter, and for your career through your managers newsfeed. If they don’t notice your worth, someone else will!

If you’d like any help with your profile, or to get other tips on gaining promotion in your current role, or finding a new role, please feel welcome to get in touch. You can also see all current vacancies on the Hill and Jago website.

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