How to Build Your Own Personal Brand to Promote Your Skills in IT

You’ve probably heard of branding, or the way that companies connect with their customers. But did you know that you can also build a personal brand? It could be just what you need to take your IT job search to the next level. Here’s what you should know.

What Is Personal Branding?

When you think of top corporate brands like Coca-Cola or Apple, what do you experience? Can you visualize a fizzy beverage being poured over ice, or feel the sleek lines of a new smartphone in your hand? They have many different competitors, but whether you love them or loathe them, you have very specific mental associations with those specific brand names.

Personal branding creates the same types of associations with future employers or business associates. A lot of people do what you do, and most of them have similar educational backgrounds and skills. But you are the only you in the world, and that makes you unique. Now that most employers search social media sites or perform web searches on job candidates, you have a golden opportunity to show off who you are. Personal branding helps people understand the value that you, and you alone, can bring to their business.

Creating a Personal Brand

The first, and hardest, step is finding what makes you uniquely qualified to do what you do. Once you figure that out, personal branding is simply a matter of putting in some work. Things you can do to build your brand include:

• Develop an online portfolio: If you’re in the creative arts, such as photography or filmmaking or writing, a well-curated online portfolio is the best way to show off not only your skills, but also how you see the world.
• Become a social media expert: Create personal branding pages that are separate from your daily personal social media. Set your existing profiles to friends-only, and use your branding pages to share industry news and information, as well as your new projects.
• Look into thought leadership: One of the best ways to build your brand is to become recognized as a thought leader in your industry. Start writing your own articles and blog posts rather than solely sharing those written by others. Combine this with careful networking, and over time your pieces may be shared across your industry.

About PEAK

PEAK Technical Consulting has created connections with employers nationwide, where you can find projects and roles to make the most of your abilities and advance your career. Since 1968, PEAK has helped IT professionals find jobs that offer flexibility, challenges and rewards. We are committed to giving you the resources and support you need to build the career of your dreams.

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If you are looking for employers and opportunities that will take your IT career to the next level and help you to achieve your goals, contact a PEAK recruitment expert today.