Candidates wonder what impact their personal brand will have on the chances they get the job. Are employers expecting to be able assess someone’s worth based on online presence? Does a candidate’s value only depend on their next creative idea?
What is a Personal Brand?
In their classic ” be your own brand ” from 1999, David McNally, and Karl D. Speak, explain that, “Your brand is the reflection of who and what you are, and is visible expressed in what you do and how it is done.” This is how to market yourself online, based on values and how to want to appear to others.
Is it possible, since creating a personal branding is a deliberate process and a purposeful one, that the image of a brand people project is too contrived or has no validity at all? Branding yourself is important because it allows people to see you as you really are and not just what you want them to think of you. When building your personal brand, you should be careful not to sound inauthentic.
How personal should your personal brand be?
Recruiters will screen your social media profile whether you like it or not before you ever step foot into the interview room. Johnny C. Taylor Jr. CEO and President of SHRM – SCP compares the evaluation of your online presence with that done on your resume and your cover letter.
More than half of hiring decision-makers have discovered content on a job candidate’s social media page that cost the person a possible job offer.
It may seem censorious to remove “inappropriate content” from your website, but the values that you represent could cause you to be removed from the shortlist of candidates if your values don’t match those of the prospective employer.
Your privacy settings will limit who can see your content, but if you are serious about making a name in the digital space, you should be deliberate about what you post and follow. Keep your personal brand clean to avoid being viewed as a thought-leader in your field.
Definition of thought leadership
Thought leadership is the expression and manifestation of innovative and unique concepts that are trailblazers in their respective industries. Thought leaders inspire others and provide value in their respective fields by adding to their expertise. There are 3 types of thought-leadership.
- Think leadership in the industry
Subject matter experts are problem solvers and forward thinkers within their field.
- Think leadership in the organization
Organizational thought leaders share their visions with their companies and provide insight into future plans.
- Product Thought Leadership
This type of thought-leadership campaign for best solutions includes a series tutorials and best practice.
The next step is to develop thought leadership. This requires an exemplary education as well as passion, dedication and patience.
Becoming a leader in thought
It takes time and effort for you to become an expert in your field. After you decide on the field you want to specialize in you must stick to it for the credibility you need to become an industry expert.
You don’t have to be fluent in all aspects of your field. A good leader will continue to educate themselves, by staying on top of trends and listening to experts in their industry.
When they embark on this path, many thought leaders also set aside their business agendas. Although the free presentations at conferences and events, as well as cutting-edge advice you give to those who follow you will not increase your financial wealth, it will increase the reputational wealth.
After all the work, what do employers really want from employees?
What employers expect from employees today
In terms of hiring, 64% recruiters believe that a thought leader with a proven track record is more likely than a candidate who has the same qualifications and no history in thought leadership to be hired. Why is this?
Martin Rowinski explains that thought leadership is what makes you and your business stand out in your industry, shows empathy by sharing insights, and brings more customers to your business.
Your credibility and trustworthiness will be transferred to your new employer and enhance both your and their brand. Thought leaders are not only renowned resources, but also trend-setters within their industry, providing innovative opinions which put the companies that they represent in front of the game.
A McKinsey study found that since COVID, customer preferences have shifted away from traditional interactions and towards digital ones. This is most likely to be a permanent shift. It is important for companies to become leaders in their industry with knowledge and expertise that consumers can trust.
Final Thoughts
Search engine results are available to you in this digital age. You need to stand out among the hundreds of candidates when recruiters begin passively looking at potential candidates.
Companies will look to you as a representative of their brand if you are a thought-leader with a strong personal brand. In the survey 56% of recruiters agreed that thought leaders could command a premium. So, not only will you be in high demand but also able to determine your value thanks to your hardwork and perseverance.
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