We asked members of the Forbes Agency Council for some insight as to what recent grads can do to build a brand that suits them and that will help them stand out. Their best answers are below.
1. Embrace Authenticity
Don't become different versions of yourself depending on the circumstance or people. Keep your personal brand consistent and authentic. Although there are times you may need to "flex" your style, keep true to yourself and your guiding compass. - Julie Veloz, IPG Mediabrands
2. Give To Receive
I think there are a few steps to establishing yourself well. One of the most important is to give information. Create content. Talk with people in the industry about what you know. Don't hesitate to make people around you smarter. This will only establish you as a credible source. A credible source for what? That's another step you need to think of. - Jonathan Laberge, Reptile
3. Start Yesterday
It's never too soon to start building a personal brand. Don't get caught up in designing the perfect logo, writing the perfect blog post or producing the perfect video. Get a website, start publishing content on topics you're passionate about and get comfortable with growing and tapping your personal network. The value of these efforts will compound over time. - Vinny La Barbera, imFORZA
4. Focus On Your Superpower
Many job seekers today are trying to project that they have a broad range of skills and abilities to fit any role or employer. That usually backfires and can come off as inexperienced or indecisive. Focus on one thing you're genuinely great at and build your brand around that superpower. Explain how your superpower will create value early and often, rather than how eager you are to learn. - Nolin LeChasseur, Brainrider
5. Develop A Distribution On LinkedIn
Recent grads with 500+ connections on LinkedIn are able to develop their personal brand much more effectively than a recent grad without a LinkedIn profile. Why? Because they have distribution for their status updates and blogs in a professional setting. Recent grads can develop their brand by filling out a profile, highlighting what they want to be known for and connecting with the right people. - Brett Farmiloe, Markitors
6. Showcase Your Personality
A great personal brand shows off your expertise in addition to your personality. If you err on the side of only showing expertise, you may appear knowledgeable, but audiences won't understand why they will enjoy working with you. If you only show personality without expertise, they might like you but won't know what special skills you bring to the table. - Greg Kihlstrom, Yes& Agency
7. Try Video
One way that graduates can brand themselves and really stand out when applying for a job is through video resumes. With so many people graduating, it's easy to get stuck in the crowd and have your resume pushed aside. To be sure your resume is not overlooked, creating a video makes sure you will be seen. - Solomon Thimothy, OneIMS
8. Remain Consistent
Nearly all intern or job applicants we interview have personally branded digital properties or social accounts to show off these days. What really excites us and makes a job seeker stand out is when they can show us consistency in developing these properties. We're talking daily or weekly posts/uploads for two to three years. To us, that says they have the creativity and discipline needed to see it out. - Michael Kilcullen, Social Report
9. Understand Your Values
Pay close attention to the personality and values of the industry you want to break into. Look at job descriptions and career pages of target employers to develop a sense of the industry, and be sure your brand is on point. More formal language and images of employees in suits on a company’s website is a good indicator that a colorful, quirky or goofy personal brand could be a turnoff. - Keri Witman, Cleriti
10. Determine What You're Interested In
Focus on the vertical(s) you’re interested in versus the services you can provide. Knowing the industries and influencers will take you much further than demonstrating what you’re good at. HR professionals know what skills to look for. It’s your job to show your passion and drive. Use outlets like social media and networking events to solidify your knowledge and build relationships. - Kathleen Lucente, Red Fan Communications
