If you’re searching for a new job, you have probably already heard about the importance of branding. But you might not fully understand what it means and how to implement it. In essence, your personal brand serves as your mission statement, explaining who you are as a professional. Let’s take a look at how you can craft your digital personal brand to help shape others’ opinions of you.

Decide Who You Are

Your personal brand must be rooted in your own authentic identity. Sit down and ask yourself some hard questions:

• What are my values?
• What am I passionate about?
• Where does my expertise lie?
• What are my biggest strengths?
• How am I unique from others in my field?

The answers to these questions form the core of your personal brand. Use them as the basis for all of your branding as you move forward.

Shape Your Online Presence

Redo all of your social media profiles, websites, and other digital platforms with your unique brand in mind. Think like a marketing professional as you choose the images, colors, and even words that reflect your brand. Be consistent across all platforms, and make sure that your messaging is clear. When in doubt, refer back to your answers to the questions above. How can you best convey who you are and what you have to offer?

Share Content

Not only are you an individual, but your take on the world is uniquely yours. Curate and share content on a regular basis that offers your personalized insights. Write blog posts. Create videos. Update your social media. Always be mindful that what you share should provide some sort of value—seek to entertain, educate, inspire, or some combination…whatever reflects the way that you see the world. And keep it coming on a regular posting schedule.

Engage with Others

Respond to comments. Find ways to interact with not only your followers, but also larger digital communities that relate to your field. Branding is more than simple self-promotion. Always seek to create bonds and build meaningful relationships.

Show, Don’t Tell

If you have to tell people how great you are, you have already lost them. Share your accomplishments. Talk about your struggles and how you’ve overcome them. Real-world examples demonstrate your credibility and authenticity, and help to build trust.

Grow and Evolve Over Time

New trends and technologies will continue to shape the digital landscape. And your own experiences will continually refine your personal brand. Make sure your online presence reflects these changes over time.

About PEAK

PEAK has created connections with employers nationwide, where you can find projects and roles to make the most of your abilities and advance your career. Since 1968, PEAK has helped IT professionals find jobs that offer flexibility, challenges and rewards. We are committed to giving you the resources and support you need to build the career of your dreams.