Personal branding is no longer optional in executive job search. Personal Branding A to Z covers all the bases.
Those who take the time to dig deep and differentiate the unique value they offer their target employers typically land faster . . . in jobs that are a better fit.
I’ve laid out the steps I use to help my executive clients define their personal brand . . . and make it memorable.
Small Business Connection went further and created a stunning infographic, Personal Branding A to Z, that expands on the basics.
You’ll see the infographic below, followed by a brief synopsis of each of the 26 items.
Although created for small business, most of the personal branding milestones are critical elements for both business and job search personal branding.
I advise my clients that running a successful executive job search is much the same as running a successful business.
Both job search and business are all about:
- Targeting a specific audience,
- Researching their current needs (or pain points),
- Positioning yourself as the candidate (or provider) best qualified to help them meet those needs, and
- Branding yourself around those good-fit qualifications.
The few items here that are specific to business marketing may not quite apply to your job search, but are likely to prompt other strategies that will yield similar results.
The A to Z of Personal Branding
A is for Authenticity – Understand your brand’s all about the real you.
B is for Blog – Build your personal brand with a blog.
C is for Content – Create content to connect with your audience.
D is for Design – Design a smart and stylish identity.
E is for Email – Establish and expand a list of email subscribers.
F is for Followers – Grow a following and lead the conversion.
G is for Google – Assess how the world sees you.
H is for Helping – Offer what you can, whenever you can.
I is for Influencers – Look up and connect with the people you look up to.
J is for Joining – Join communities where ideas are incubated.
K is for Keywords – Position your personal brand with some choice words.
L is for LinkedIn – Master the personal branding epicenter of the Internet.
M is for Media – Channel your energy into the right channels.
N is for Network – Connect with professionals – and with a purpose.
O is for Offers – Offers your visitors great value – for free.
P is for Podcast – Turn on a mic and say what’s on your mind.
Q is for Questions – Ask your audience to join the conversation.
R is for Recognizing Others – Point to the people that empower you.
S is for Speaking – Get in front of an audience.
T is for Target – Develop keen insights of your target market.
U is for Unique – Identify your unique value proposition.
V is for Video – Look into the lens and engage viewers.
W is for Website – Construct a home on the web in your name.
X is for eXamine – Keep close tabs on your progress.
Y is for “You Do” – Make a plan to achieve your personal branding goals.
Z is for Zeal – Let no roadblock slow you down.
More About Personal Branding and Executive Job Search
The Personal Branding Manifesto for Executive Job Search
Personal Branding FAQs for Executive Job Search
How to Build Personal Brand Content for Executive Job Search