5 Branding Tips To Help You Land The Job

Want to stand out at your next interview? Take a look at these quick branding techniques that actually work!

Making yourself stand out when you are looking for a job is always a challenge. Especially if you have been working for the same company for a long time, getting the hang of this new, fast paced job market is tough. But, don't give up hope. There are several branding techniques that can help you stand out from the competition and land the job.


Here are 5 tips that actually work:

1. Present an image of confidence ? When you have a positive attitude and look confident, people will regard you as someone who is self confident and successful. To present the image of confidence and success, you don't have to have a closet full of designer clothes. Just find a few classic pieces that fit you well and make you look your best. When others view you as attractive, you are more likely to get the job, get promoted and people will just tend to like you more. I know, it doesn't seem fair, but the difference between attractive and unattractive is much more about the way you carry yourself and the way you are dressed than what you look like.


2. Let them know what you can do ? Write and practice a 30 ? 60 second elevator pitch that briefly states who you are and what you do best. When you have it down cold, you will be able to sell yourself to employers during interviews, people you meet at networking events and even new clients. An elevator pitch is crucial in this tight job market, because you may only have a minute or two to grab someone's attention. So, let them know that you are worth taking a closer look at.


3. Do a self-assessment ? Interviewing is all about selling yourself and your abilities. Unless you know what your strengths and weaknesses are, you can't effectively sell yourself at all. Take some time to write down who you are, what you are passionate about. The more in touch you are with yourself, the more powerful and accurate your elevator speech will be.


4. Don't forget business cards ? Just because you may not be working right now doesn't mean you don't need a business card. It's easy in this high-tech world to forget about something as simple as a card, but just having one with your name, contact number and links to your Facebook, Twitter and/or LinkedIn profile is priceless for networking. You want to be able to take advantage of every opportunity to meet new people and build your network.


5. Update your wardrobe ? If you haven't taken the time yet, this is a great time to update your professional wardrobe. Especially if you have been in the same job for a number of years, it may be time to get a makeover. Depending on your resources, you may want to hire an image consultant or use a personal shopping service to help you find the best cuts and colors that look best on you.

Branding yourself is only partly about marketing. When you look professional, behave in a professional manner and are prepared to seize every networking opportunity that comes your way, you can't help but to stand out as someone to take a closer look at.

What do you think is the most important thing when you are marketing yourself? Let me know in the comments.


By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for CommunicationsJobBlog. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.