Video:Job Search Branding

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Transcript:Job Search Branding

Hi. I’m Alison Doyle, the job search guide for About.com. When you’re job searching, it’s important to build a personal brand that showcases your skills and accomplishments. Here’s how to build a personal brand.

Why Create a Job Search Brand?

It's important to create a personal brand which provides companies with a positive impression of you as a high-caliber individual who would be an asset to their organization. Your goals in building an online presence include becoming known as an expert in your field and to let prospective employers know, at a glance, why you’re a qualified candidate.

Increase Your Search Engine Presence

One way to build your brand is to increase your presence in the search engines. So, when a hiring manager searches Google you rank high. Use the same photo on all the networking sites, web sites, and blogs that you contribute to. That visual effect will help build your brand and will help increase your recognition by prospective employers and career contacts.

Use Online Tools

Create a LinkedIn profile.  Completely fill out all the sections of your profile. Then connect with everyone you know. Join Groups related to your background and career goals and interact with Group members.

A VisualCV is an online resume that includes all the facets of a traditional resume, with add-ons like video, images, and links to your accomplishments. It’s a great way to showcase your skills.

Tweet Your Way to Success

Create a Twitter profile. Follow experts in your field and establish yourself as an expert in your industry. Use your status updates to tweet and retweet about industry topics, tips, advice. A well-written blog focused on your area of expertise is another good addition to your professional branding package. If you don’t have time to blog, consider guest posting for others. Get your name out there. Comment on blogs, post in discussion forums, write some articles, go to industry meetings and events, and make contacts in your field.

Be sure that all your endeavors are focused and relevant to both your skills and your career goals. Make connections and build a network by trying to meet, either online or in-person, the important people in your field. Send them an email or a message via their web site or networking profile.

Spend Some Time Job Search Branding

Building your brand isn't a one shot deal. It takes time to build a solid presence and should be an ongoing endeavor. Keep your profiles up-to-date, stay in touch with your contacts, build and maintain your network, and work on your branding on a regular basis.

Thanks for watching. To learn more visit us on the web at About.com