Your personal brand is an essential part of your career search and having solid building blocks in place, could make securing a role that little easier. Sophie Randles, director executive search and selection firm Livingston James, shares the brand-perfecting points you need to crack.

Four essential tips to build your personal brand

Branding isn’t just for companies. Professionals are managing their personal brands to achieve career success.

In today's hyper-connected and competitive world, your personal brand is more important than ever. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a job seeker or a creative professional, a strong personal brand can open doors and help you stand out in a crowded marketplace. Being able to differentiate yourself in a meaningful way through a blend of virtual and in-person personal branding is a helpful tool particularly when you look to launch your professional career.

Here are my tips to help you raise and cultivate your personal brand effectively.

1. Know who you are

The first step in building your personal brand is to define your brand identity. Your brand isn’t just your image but your story and position within your industry or desired industry. It tells your audience about your values and beliefs.

Start by asking yourself questions like: Who am I? What do I value? What are my strengths and weaknesses? What do I want to be known for? Your answers will help shape your personal brand identity.

Remember, authenticity is key. Be true to yourself and your brand will feel genuine and compelling.

2. Beyond the screen

Building relationships and nurturing your network are crucial aspects when defining your personal brand, it stretches beyond the screen version of yourself.

Networking isn't just about what others can do for you but also about what you can offer to help others. Strong relationships can open doors to new opportunities and collaboration however, probably more importantly as you embark into the working world, strong relationships provide opportunities for learning and growth. When you engage with others in your network, you gain exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences. These interactions can help you expand your knowledge, challenge your assumptions and inspire personal and professional growth.

Your network is a form of social capital, which can be as valuable as financial or intellectual capital. The relationships you build can help you navigate challenging situations, open doors and create a positive reputation. In essence, your social capital enhances your overall success and influence – thus heightening your personal brand.

In the world of networking, the real currency is not the number of business cards you collect or the LinkedIn connections you amass - it's the strength of the relationships you nurture. Building and maintaining genuine, meaningful relationships should be the focal point of your networking efforts. So, remember that in your networking journey, it's not just about whom you know but how well you know them and how deeply you can foster and leverage those relationships. Make sure you attend those industry events, join those professional associations and connect with like-minded individuals to establish meaningful relationships that will follow you through your career.

3. Continual learning and personal expertise

Your personal brand should evolve with your growth and development. Invest in your education and skills to stay current in your field. Showcase your willingness to learn and adapt, as this is a strong component of a resilient personal brand.

Position yourself as an expert in your field by consistently sharing your knowledge and insights. Write articles, give talks and participate in panel discussions – always looking to engage with your audience, and maintain a consistent, professional image across all platforms. Becoming a thought leader can help solidify your brand and build trust among your audience. It is important to choose the right social media platforms that align with your personal brand.

It is also important to note that visual elements play a significant role in personal branding. When designing your LinkedIn profile, make sure you have a professional headshot, a high-quality professional photo can make a significant difference in how people perceive you. Same can be said when pushing content, imagery will bolster content and tell a more meaningful story. Consider this on both professional and personal posts.

4. Seek Feedback and Adapt

Your personal brand is not static. It should evolve over time. Seek feedback from mentors, peers and your audience. Be open to constructive criticism and adapt your personal brand strategy accordingly to ensure you are reaching the audience you want to influence effectively and that they are seeing the real you.

Building a strong personal brand is a continuous journey that involves self-discovery, consistent effort and a commitment to authenticity. By defining your brand identity, developing your network by nurturing your relationships and continuously committing to learning and adapting, you can create a powerful personal brand that sets you apart in your chosen field.

Your personal brand is an investment in your future, and with dedication, it can lead to exciting opportunities and success.

RGU Career Kickstart – a collaboration between RGU Alumni and RGU Careers - is helping final year students and recent graduates get prepared for the career search.

Make a start to building your personal brand at our headshot drop-in session at RGU Union on Thursday 9 November. Find out more about our upcoming events: