You may have heard that you need to "brand yourself" in order to be successful in your career. Branding, which is defined as "to make an indelible mark or impression on somebody or something is a valuable strategy.
Many job seekers do not realize they have already positioned themselves – they just have not articulated it yet. Maybe you're known as "the sales manager that makes quota, no matter what's going on in the economy," or "the engineer that can speak in language the customer understands." That's your positioning.
To cultivate your position and create a brand that will help you reach your career goals, you must understand and be able to communicate what makes you exceptional and compelling. You must find a way to stand out in a crowded job search. If you're not known for something, you will not be known for anything. One size does not fit all.
Finding a job is about helping the company meet a need that it has. Companies hire because of their needs. This is true for all jobs – from an entry-level administrative position to the CEO's job. Position yourself to fill their need.
Understand the emotional motivation behind the job opening. What problem is the company trying to solve? Solving the problem can be about saving time, or building customer relationships. Position yourself to solve a problem.
The question the employer is asking is "Why should I hire you?" When employers are hiring, they really want to know: "Why should I choose you instead of someone else?" Positioning is an important part of answering this question. You can not be all things to all employers, so you need to figure out what sets you apart.
Personal branding and positioning is unique to you. Figure out what makes you different. Consistency in this messaging will help you through your job search and interview process. Someone who is reading your résumé or LinkedIn profile should be able to recognize your position, your personal brand, and your unique differentiators.
The most difficult part about creating your brand / position is sounding original. Be specific about what sets you apart from the competition. Your positioning is not your job title. It's also not found in overused buzz words like multi-tasker, great communicator or fast learner.
It's important for a job seeker to stand out from the pool of applicants in order to receive serious consideration as a candidate. Personal branding allows you to establish a clear message of who you are, the experience you have, and how you can be an asset to the employer.
Make sure your personal positioning aligns with your target company's needs, needs, and / or values. Remember: Employers hire for their reasons, not yours!
You have to get the reader's attention quickly. Your positioning is often the first impression an employee has of you, so make it count!
