PERSONAL
BRANDING: SIMPLE MISTAKES YOU CAN AVOID TO GET INTO YOUR DREAM JOB
Apart from the word ‘globalization’, in the
recent years, ‘personal branding’ is one more term being used widely by the
professionals. Branding is one term which is always connected with the
corporate, companies or products. Now, connecting it with the individuals has
created paradigm shift to the traditional recruitment processes.
Ok, I
can hear you asking why I should build a personal branding. Just read on.
First impression is always the best. The
impression created by a job seeker will have an impact on the decision the
recruiters make. Due to recession and the global economic turmoil in the recent
times, competition has gone too high and in turn personal branding has become
one important tool to lead in this race.
Did
you know even some simple things can ruin your job search process?
Email
Id: Pet name is to be used only among friends and
family. You should avoid using such names in the email id used for a job
search. Using your full name (first as well last name) in the email id is
advisable to create a personal branding. Recruiter will also remember your name
very well. Snoopy@gmail.com will look
like an email id of your pet doggy.
Mobile
Ring Tone: At least until you get into a job, avoid
keeping any movie songs, religious songs, animal sounds, baby sounds, or movie
dialogues as your mobile ring tones. Recruiter may not want to listen to the
songs until you pick the phone and it may create a negative opinion about you.
Remember, recruiters work in a busy schedule and do not like their time be
wasted. If you want to amuse your friends & family, customize the ring
tones, so that recruiters don’t get irritated.
IM Messages: Do not leave nasty, sarcastic, depressive messages in your IM
status boxes (G-talk, Skype, Yahoo messenger). When I tried to contact a client
while writing his resume, tried reaching him on ‘whats app’. ‘You do not know
what I undergo at this moment’ was the status I saw there and the feel was so
negative. If the recruiter see this message, he may think that you are
undergoing some serious psychological issues and end up doubting your
productivity at work. Leaving it blank or a positive message can make a neutral
or positive opinion about you.
Blog: If you are a blogger, create blogposts in the relevant field in
which you are applying for a job. If you are confident enough, you can also
encourage your friends to participate in your blog forums. Remember to include
your blog link (url) in your resume.
Social
Media Sites: Use your official and full name while
creating your accounts in LinkedIn. Do not just ctrl C or ctrl X and ctrl P.
Create a profile with unique information and give out the key information in a
crisp tone and voice.
Resume: Resume is the primary key to land in any job. Make sure you have a
professional written resume with machine readable keywords to search a job in
India. If necessary get help from professionalresume writers. Creating an online resume will definitely add a value in
creating a personal branding. Resume file name should have your name along a
term that shows your skill or qualification. For example Ram resume_MBA or Ram
Resume_IT will lead a great way to your dream job.
While searching with your name through
search engines, recruiter should be able to find your online resume,
contribution in blogs and social media sites that can create a positive
impression in their mind. Make sure you understand how to use these tips to
build your personal branding.
