- Job Seeker Resources
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- Last Updated: August 06, 2024

Stand Out, Get Hired: Master Personal Branding
Brands aren’t just for big corporations and celebrities. In fact, we all have a personal brand that can help (or hurt) our career prospects!
Watch this webinar and Q&A session, “Stand Out, Get Hired: Master Personal Branding,” to learn how to showcase your unique personal brand during your job search.
Here’s what our presenters dive into:
What Is a Personal Brand?
When you hear “brand,” you might think of big corporations like Amazon, Walmart, Netflix, or Nike. But individuals can have brands too – not just celebrities, athletes, or politicians. Every person has a personal brand, which encompasses your reputation, personality, core values, professional experience, areas of expertise, online presence, and more.
Importance of Personal Branding for Job Seekers
A strong personal brand is crucial for job seekers as it helps market and sell yourself to potential employers. Just like companies use their brands to sell products, your personal brand can significantly influence your career. A well-crafted brand makes you memorable for the right reasons and controls the impressions others have of you. It establishes your credibility and visibility, giving you a competitive edge.
Crafting Your Personal Brand
A compelling personal brand is distinct, specific, and authentic. To create yours, start by identifying your personal brand attributes – unique skills, qualities, and characteristics. Reflect on your experiences, motivations, and interests, and gather feedback from colleagues and friends. Consider your unique “X Factor” or “special sauce” that contributes to your success.
After identifying your personal brand attributes, articulate them in a concise personal brand statement. This statement should summarize who you are, what you do, why you do it, and what makes you unique.
Integrating Your Brand Into Job Applications
Once your personal brand is established, integrate it into your job search documents. Use your personal brand statement as the foundation for your resume’s summary paragraph. Highlight your distinctive skills and attributes in the resume’s skills section. In cover letters, elaborate on personal brand attributes like your personality or career motivations. Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize personal brand aspects that align with specific job roles and companies.
Showcasing Your Brand During Interviews
Interviews are another crucial opportunity to present your personal brand. When asked to “Tell me about yourself,” use your personal brand statement as a starting point. Demonstrate your core values through responses to situational questions. Strengthen your brand further by asking insightful questions that reflect your values and interests.
Leveraging Your Brand in Networking
Networking events are perfect for showcasing your personal brand. Prepare an elevator pitch derived from your personal brand statement to make strong first impressions. Ensure brand consistency across all your online profiles and engage in conversations that reflect and reinforce your brand, enhancing your online presence and reputation.
Explore our Job Seeker Resource Center for more personal branding tips today!
Speakers

Laura Wilhelm
iHire Account Executive and Tampa Bay Sun FC Ticket Sales Manager & Analyst
Laura Wilhelm is an Account Executive at iHire, joining during the WorkInSports and iHire merger in April 2021. In addition to her role at iHire, Laura is also a Ticket Sales Manager and Analyst at Tampa Bay Sun FC and an Adjunct Professor at Upper Iowa University where she develops and teaches a master’s level sports sales class.

Laurie Ballow
iHire Certified Advanced Resume Writer & Business Development Manager
Laurie Ballow is a Certified Advanced Resume Writer and Business Development Manager at iHire. Laurie has been with iHire since 2010 and she is known as a Swiss Army Knife due to her extensive experience working with candidates and employers, along with her solid understanding of the job search process from both perspectives.

Lori Cole
iHire Brand Ambassador & Content Creator
Lori Cole is the iHire Brand Ambassador and a Certified Career Coach and Advisor with over 20 years of experience in staffing and recruiting in the online world. Now part of the Brand Team, Lori’s past successes at iHire include directing the Customer Success Team, the Outplacement Team, and the Career Advisor Team. She’s always looking for ways to make life easier for our job seekers and employers.