What Does Your Personal Brand Stand for?

By: Together Abroad 26-09-2016 1:33 PM
Categories: * Personal Branding,

Maybe you did not build it consciously, but let me assure you – you do have a personal brand already. Even if you have no Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. account (I hope you do, though). It is the way you communicate with people, the way you talk and walk and dress and express your attitudes to just about everything, that is part of your personal brand.

If you find yourself in a position of a jobseeker, you are suddenly presenting your image to a whole new audience that – unlike your friends and family – does not accept you as you are, but rather measures you by their standards. As intimidating as that may sound, personal branding is not rocket science and you can get it right with just a little effort.

Reflect thoroughly on what you are currently communicating to the potential employers. If you are not self-aware about your personal brand, then do not be surprised if others will misunderstand your message, or not get it altogether.

Personal branding is an outward manifestation of what is going on inside, so it is quite crucial to start by examining yourself – your character, values, passions and aspirations. Are these in alignment with what you are showing the world? You might be a great mediator or an eloquent activist for a cause you care so much about, but nobody will ever know if all you share with the world are Instagrammed dinners and holiday pictures. Be careful not to let your sense of self shrinkto what you post online, because then you are selling yourself short.

If you are not quite sure how to distinguish yourself, or which area you should focus on, try to find out where your personal and professional passions overlap. Getting a job in that area is most likely going to bring you satisfaction. For example, if you are an aspiring photographer and you enjoy nature in your spare time, you would probably find a career of an outdoor photographer very fulfilling. Focus on what feels authentic to you and what you hope to convey further. Build your profile, speak, write and share your ideas about topics that interest you and – most importantly – add value. Remember that being brilliant is of no use if you are anonymous, so yes, you might have to toot your own horn sometimes.

So, is your personal brand communicating what you want it to, or is it secretly sabotaging you? Pay close attention to how people react to you. When you discover what they appreciate the most about you, bring it every time. Consistency is important. If you are extremely friendly one day and then reserved the next, people will get mixed signals. And above all, work on building your network, because the bigger your network, the bigger your reputation.

Veronika Bacova

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For an expat moving to the Netherlands, getting the right direction is very important. It's important that one knows which steps and direction to take. Linda is an exceptionally talent counselor, her advice has helped me land a job within a week of coming to the Netherlands. I am grateful for her mentoring and look forward to a great working relationship in the future.

Dr. Hrishiraj S | Clinical Research & Affairs Manager

Together Abroad provided expert advice on personal branding including developing a top-notch, market-aware CV, highly tailored job applications, and approach strategies with potential employers in the Netherlands. Furthermore, I found them be highly knowledgeable in key related fields such as recruitment strategy, immigration law, contracts, labor agreements, and (un)employment benefits. I would recommend Together Abroad to anyone who needs professional help with transitioning to a new career.

A. Aboufirass | Structural Engeer

Linda is a big mind. She thinks about things that the rest normally overlook. The insight she has about the dutch job market can only be achieved through years of experience and persistence.

Her business savvy is complemented by her mastery of understanding the client's needs and requirements. For my career I could say, she was the “Mary Poppins”, who guided me through thick and thin and helped me to land a career in the Netherlands

S. Bhattacharjee | FP&A Manager

If you are going to enlist the services of a "Career Coach" look no further. The only person you want in your corner is Linda van Orsouw. As an expat, you absolutely want to work with a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional who knows their way around the Dutch career/employment/job market. Linda assisted me in writing and positioning my CV, helped me organize and prioritize my list of opportunities, coached me through mock interviews and was there when I got offered a senior position only 2 months later. When asked I will only refer to Linda and "Togetherabroad".

Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant 

 

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