How to Build Your Personal Brand During Your Job Search

When applying for jobs in your field, your personal brand is important. Even if you only have limited experience, branding will help you appear professional and show employers why they should hire you over other candidates. Although it may sound intimidating, there are simple ways you can build your personal brand during your job search, even while you’re still at university.

1. Complete Your LinkedIn Profile

In some ways, LinkedIn acts as an online resume. However, the platform allows you to show much more of your personality than a traditional resume does. To make the most of the platform for branding purposes, make sure you complete your profile. This means uploading a professional profile picture and cover image, writing a bio, listing your skills, and adding your education, credentials, and work experience.

2. Create a Portfolio

Although some fields lend themselves to portfolios more than others, you should be able to find some way of showcasing your skills. For instance, you may have completed a project, given a presentation, or created a poster on a relevant topic at university. Alternatively, you could include snippets of your best coursework, whether this is writing or images. Upload or add a link to your portfolio on your LinkedIn profile.

3. Be Active Online

Setting up a LinkedIn profile and other social media accounts for your personal branding is only the first step: you also need to maintain an active presence online. This doesn’t need to be anything complicated. Just posting regularly about topics in your field, responding to people who comment, and sharing or commenting on other users’ posts can make a difference.

4. Start a Blog or Podcast

Another way to share your thoughts, insights, and discoveries is through regular blog posts or podcast episodes.

If you want to write a blog, you’ll need to set up a website or create an account on a blogging platform like Medium. You’ll then need to decide on a publishing schedule (aiming for one blog post a week is ideal) and come up with ideas for content. Use the opportunity to show your values, interests, and an understanding of issues in your field.

A podcast, on the other hand, is your chance to speak for several minutes (or longer) on a topic. If you have friends who want to enter the same field as you, consider interviewing them or having conversations on the podcast.

If you start working while you’re still at university, it’s extra important to have a comfortable space where you can relax and perhaps even do some remote work. It’s easy to find something affordable when you search for shared accommodation. Oshawa students can find a home at Foundry 1805. You can choose between your own room in a shared apartment or a semi-private room. We’re located just steps from campus, across the street from various restaurants and shopping options. You’ll also be able to use our large parking lot if you need to drive to your job. Book a tour to check out the housing for yourself.