The job search process can be competitive. But theres one thing that can help you stand out from the crowd: your personal brand.

Your personal brand is a way to market yourself. It defines how you present and promote yourself to others. This is the message that helps potential employers and colleagues form their impression of you, and helps them remember who you are. As you prepare for life after graduation, here are some tips for establishing your personal brand this semester.

One way to build your personal brand is by connecting who you are to your career goals. First, reflect on some of your successes at CU. What strengths did you apply that helped your success? What tasks did you enjoy? What were you most proud of?

For example, maybe you took the lead on a group project that helped you ace a class. Think about the steps you took that helped you succeed. Did you organize group study sessions for everyone to work together and get things done, showing that you can lead a group? Did you help resolve a disagreement between your peers that demonstrates your ability to navigate different opinions? Consider each experience and how it might relate to your personal brand.

Next, think about your values and goals. How do you want to be perceived by your peers? What can you contribute to a team or company? Maybe its important to you that youre seen as reliable or dependable by your teammates. Perhaps you want to be seen as a leader, or someone who can make important decisions. As you reflect and answer these questions, take note of these specific qualities. Your experiences and past success can help demonstrate these qualities to potential employers, and help shape your personal brand. If its more helpful to talk this out with someone, make an appointment with a career development advisor.

Once you have an idea of your personal brand, dont be afraid to promote it consistently in your job search efforts. As you become visible to others, your message and brand will help them see what you offer.

Start by creating online profiles using job search and networking tools, such as LinkedIn and Handshake. Strategically design and present your brand on your profiles:

Get more tips about establishing your online presence.

Next, connect with professionals in your field of interest through informational interviews. These are informal meetings with career professionals to learn more about what its like to work in a particular position or industry and how to get into the field. These meetings can help you build your network and help influence your personal brand. Start bymaking connections with CU Boulder alumni on LinkedIn.

Continue to communicate your message and brand on your application materials, such as your resume and cover letter. Make sure that you highlight your strengths that are directly applicable to the job you want. Help your resume stand out by including relevant experiences or class projects, skills and the value that you can contribute to the team. This can include volunteering, internships, roles and responsibilities in your student organization, etc.

Be sure to present yourself professionally, including what you choose to wear. This doesnt always mean show up in a suit, but it does mean making sure the clothes you wear reflect the job you want and the brand you want to communicate. Presenting yourself in a professional and respectful way can help you stand out from other candidates. If you arent quite sure how professionals dress in the field youre interested in, consider job shadowing or asking in an informational interview.

As we network and go through the job search process, some of us may feel like we need to put on an act to meet someones expectations. Its normal to feel this way. As you develop your brand, think about how you can be yourself. You can be humble while also being proud of your accomplishments. State your message clearly, honestly and definitively, and with a tone that reflects your brand (enthusiastic, smart, passionate, etc.). Your personal brand is all about you, and the way you present it is up to you.

For more tips and advice with developing your personal brand, make an appointment with a career development advisor.

Link:
How to stand out during the job search - CU Boulder Today