1 Part of Branding Vital For Job Search

1 Part of Branding Vital For Job Search 1 Part of Branding Vital For Job Search Branding is the hot topic in executive job search these days. Branding is an aspect of the search that needs to be right, in order for to you to break into the hidden job market correctly. However, what I’m seeing tells me that while most everyone is trying to brand, that branding could be significantly better. The element of branding to focus on is authenticity. Move branding from theory to reality by making it authentically you â€" brand Y.O.U. as a matter of fact. The importance of building authenticity into your brand is this: what’s true for you is what you can confidently say to others. What you say with confidence is what makes you stand out, over and above the crowd, so you’re memorable and top of mind to the other person. The 1st way to build a brand of authenticity is to look within. What are your top executive leadership skills? “Top” means the skills you’re good at AND you love AND you want to do. On a professional level, you have a certain set of gifts, ones that show you at your best, that you’re happy to share, that make the other person’s (in this case, the employer’s) life and business better. The 2nd way to build a brand of authenticity is to look outside of you. You know that perception is reality, right? What other people perceive about you is a major component of your brand. Review your annual performance reviews, read through your letters of reference, and go over your recommendations on LinkedIn. Determine what themes emerge. If two or three or four people who don’t know each other are all saying the same things, it’s highly likely they are describing the authentic you. The 3rd way to build a brand of authenticity is to speak your truth. You know what I like about your truth? When it’s authentic, it’s unique. You’re the only person who can say it. The best way to get to your truth is to think about how you may tell a story either after work at drinks, or at dinner, so envision yourself in a normal conversation with people you know. Let’s say you just finished a multi-million dollar project, and at one point, it was a mess. You’re talking about what you did to make the customer happy and keep their business. Then think about the larger story. Consider whether you’re always that person who swoops in and changes things around so the customers stay happy. What is it about you that you’re able to do that time and time again? It could be because you have an eye for both sides. It could be because you have an ear for what’s not being said. So what you can fold into your brand is, “It seems like I am usually the one who just connects with what the customer is saying, I say that to our people, and get them to deliver. That’s what I’m known for doing.” So, refresh your brand. Build a brand of authenticity. Look within, look outside yourself, and speak your truth. As you network in conversations with people, you’ll do that with confidence and you’ll be memorable. As people start to keep you top of mind, they’ll think of you for opportunities. That’s how you navigate the hidden job market correctly. Brand you is brand true. What's one thing you've done to successfully reinvigorate your brand? Share your story in the comments!