As PR majors, we’re often told about the importance of personal branding while looking for a job or internship. While telling an interviewer what they want to hear may land you the job, it won’t land you the right job. Here are few tips to branding yourself before you start the job hunt:
Be consistent. Branding yourself is about more than a neat heading at the top of your resume. It’s about being consistent across multiple platforms. This means employers can draw the same conclusions about you from looking at your Twitter or your LinkedIn. It’s about showing not telling. One great way to show an employer your passion is to consistently show off your niche. And on that note…
Embrace your niche. The truth is, you produce better work when you’re passionate about the work you’re doing. So, if you’re into technology or the environment or health care, don’t be afraid of letting employers know that. It will not only set you apart from other applicants but also open doors for which clients you work with at an agency.
Know what excites you. Yes, flexibility and a willingness to try new things can look great in a job candidate, but knowing exactly what you like does too! Don’t lie and say you love social media if you could really care less about Twitter. Instead, focus on what does excite you and why that makes you a great hire. Plus, if you are hired, you will be able to do something you actually enjoy!
Remember, everything you do reflects on your personal brand. So, keep it clean, consistent and authentic.
Have any other tips on how to stay genuine when starting off? We’d love to hear them! Comment below to keep the conversation going.
Mandy Shold is the 2013-2014 University of Oregon PRSSA chapter vice president. She is currently a senior double majoring in public relations and environmental studies. Follow her on Twitter at @WayToRepresent or check out her portfolio at mandyshold.wix.com/portfolio.