Why Do I Need a Personal Brand?

By: Together Abroad 29-01-2017 11:56 PM
Categories: * Personal Branding,

In an increasingly competitive job market, it is important to stand out from the crowd and be noticed by recruiters. We all know the meaning of the term ‘brand’ and how effective it can be in a company’s reputation. Names such as Apple, Sony or Nike are immediately identifiable and carry with them in some sense a promise of product quality and consumer expectation. The same is true of personal brands. Prospective employees are selling a ‘product’ (themselves) to a ‘consumer’ (the company). Having a good brand gives you the cutting edge in job interviews, and prepares you to answer the dreaded question, “tell me a bit about yourself”. Below are some useful tips on how to build your personal brand.

First things first: know who your target audience is, and be clear about the image you wish to present to them. Once you know your audience, get their attention. Do not be complacent and wait for them to come to you. Add them on networking sites such as LinkedIn, and get noticed. This will make it easier for you to promote your brand. Make your brand clear, concise and memorable. What aspect of ‘you’ you wish to promote will depend on the industry you are applying for, so it is important to do some background research and cater your brand to the skillset that employers in this area are looking for. Above all, be consistent across all modes of communication, including interviews, social media and CVs.

There is a strong correlation between a successful brand and a successful career, and this is no coincidence. Having a strong brand makes you appear both motivated and disciplined. It provides a direction and a mind set that sets you up to succeed. Credentials are important, and you are unlikely to get anywhere without them. However, if many others have similar credentials, then to stand out you have to go one step further. It is here that a focus on personal branding can help you stand out from the crowd. As Daniel Bliley, creator of the app Passport, notes: “Branding today is as much about consistently delivering on your promise as it is about differentiation. You have to position yourself in unique ways in order to stand out from others. You have to meet all of the subconscious expectations and go beyond the mundane to truly impress”. A strong brand is constantly evolving and it defines you in your professional career.

Adam Watson

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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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