How to Brand Yourself for Career Advancement
Most professionals undersell, understate and/or outright don't take stock of their skills and accomplishments. So, how do you brand yourself for career advancement? Following the steps below will put you well on your way.
4 Steps to Branding Yourself for Career Advancement
NOTE: The following applies whether you are a full-time employee, or a freelancer.
1. Assess Your Skills & Abilities: I mean, really take stock. Don't look at your existing resume. Start with your current position and list every project you've worked on, every dollar you saved, every new skill you mastered, every client who's bottom line you increased.
Just make a list - no matter how minute the project, dollar amount or skill. Dollars to doughnuts, you have quite an impressive list in front of you. Many professionals don't ever take the time to do this type of in-depth skill analysis.
Okay, you have your list. Now what?
2. Organize Your List: How? I'd separate them into categories. Depending on your profession, they may look something like:
Sales Increased: List all cases where sales increased because of your input (eg, project you headed, direct mail campaign you wrote copy for, reorganization you structured, etc.
Dollars Saved: Similar to the above, list all instances where you saved a client/company money either directly or indirectly.
Skills Mastered: Did you take an HTML class? Did you go on a leadership retreat to master new management policies? Again, whatever skill it is you've mastered - whether it be a hard skill like coding, or a soft skill like employee management - put it in this category.
Projects Headed: If you spearheaded a project, list it. Eg, did you convert client files from QuickBooks to Peachtree, a new software you learned? Did you create a filing system to track client images? Did you create a new layout and design for a client brochure?
3. Create a Professional Profile: If you're a freelancer, I advise that you submit professional profiles to potential clients, not a resume (this subliminally says I'm an employee/I want a job).
A professional profile says that you're an independent consultant who can help a potential client increase their (insert client objective). Eg, sales, customer subscriber list, client retention rate, etc.
If you're a full-time employee, I would create this category on my resume. You can name it any number of ways, eg, Professional Profile, Professional Summary, Career Highlights, etc. It's up to you. The point is to create a place where, at a glance, potential employers can grasp what you can offer.
4. Market Yourself: This is where many professionals - freelancers and full-time job seekers alike - fall down. YOU are the product. Market yourself.
Create a professional website and/or create a blog. When you apply for positions/gigs, direct potential clients/employers to this.
Even if you are currently employed, it can be helpful to create some type of online professional preference, if only to keep track of your accomplishments as they happen. Then, when you are ready to move on and/or branch out on your own, all you have to do is make it "Live."
In today's ever-competitive professional environment, it's those who are able to effectively sell themselves who get the plum jobs/assignments. Don't be left behind.
Brand the thing you know the best - you!
Related Tags: career advice, career tips, carer advice for professionals, recruiting advice
May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. Don't want to ever worry about "career advancement" again? Start a freelance writing career! It's fast, simple and easy. Learn how at InkwellEditorial.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Ideas For Finding a Nanny Job
Looking after the welfare of children is a very important job. The role of caregivers in the present - What There is to Know About a Temp Agency
A temp agency is a place were skilled office workers can go to get work. There are a number of diffe - Discovering the Many Ways a Temp Agency Can Assist in a Down Economy
When out of money and unable to find work, often times can look hopeless. However, for many who have - Careers That Require Financial Responsibility
Keeping your finances in order is important for any adult, but if you want to work in certain career - What You Need To Know About Resumes And Cover Letters
If the ways of getting employed is composed of steps, the first task would be to come up with an imp - How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Hired
In trying to get a job, the person that you are going to impress, aside from your would-be boss, wou - Tips on How to Get Hired in a Flash
Unemployment rate all over the world is undeniably huge. But, the bigger problem that professionals - Tips and Techniques on Finding a Job Quickly
There are three ways on how you can get employed at the soonest possible time- that would be, knowin - Securing Your Lifetime Starts Now
If by the time you're 30 and you still don't know what you want to do with your life, it should alre - Occupational Therapy Jobs For a Career in Nursing
Occupational therapy jobs are undertaken by individuals who are willing to engage their skills in he
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Hollow Eyes Are Not Dark Circles Under The Eyes
Many people of all ages complain of dark circles under their eyes. The phrase "dark circles under th - Career As A Hairstylist
Hairdressing is an art that involves arranging hair for aesthetic purposes, participation in formal - Life After West Point Military School
West Point exists to educate and train Cadets who are commissioned as Officers in the US Army upon G - Work Experience In Fashion - How To Get A Great Opportunity In Fashion Work
Work experience in fashion can be one of the most challenging positions to find. It's a simple equa - Tips for Job Hunting in Today's Market
In order to be competitive in today's job market, you must stand apart from the competition. Just h - Who are the EMTs
You'll find them at Denny's. At least I always do. Denny's, Coco's, Perkin's; any all-night restaura - Hiring A New Assistant?
More and more small businesses and even larger companies are turning to virtual office assista - You Too Can Start an Independent Record Label
It's no big secret, the trick of how to start a record label definitely involves some cash and most - Increased Salary with a Medical Degree: Consider the Options
Physicians are probably one of the highest paid professionals in the world. They make a lot of money - 5 Steps to Becoming a Virtual Assistant
Here are 5 steps that I went through in becoming a virtual assistant. These aren’t official by