Think brands and you probably think of the big name products that line supermarket shelves. But now, thanks to the Internet, people are increasingly seen as brands in their own right. You may not even realise it, but anyone with a Facebook or Twitter account already has an online brand. In fact, profiles on any networking sites and personal blogs also have the potential to contribute to other people’s perceptions of you.

Although it’s always important to come across well to others, it’s especially so after redundancy or when you’re seeking a career change. Get your brand image right and it may help secure you an interview – get it wrong and it could destroy your chances of landing that dream job. And though anonymity might seem like a safe bet, it is in some respects an opportunity missed. If you’re hoping to find a new job or attract attention from other employers, now is the time to start managing your brand and refining your online presence.

Improving your online brand

If you type your name into a search engine, are the results a positive and accurate reflection of you? If so, great – but if not, take note. Although your mates might enjoy photos of you worse for wear or indiscreet tweets, it’s unlikely that any prospective employers will be impressed. Set up proper privacy settings on these accounts so that only the right people can access them. Also make sure you remove any controversial pictures or videos from photo and video sharing sites.

The next step is to start getting your name higher up the rankings. Think about setting up an account or creating new networks on sites such as LinkedIn. Upload your CV onto well established job sites, some of which even search through job vacancies for you. Or why not create your own website, including your CV and recent examples of your work? Such sites can be used to get the word out that you’re looking for a new career.

Boost your profile by getting involved in relevant online discussions and noticeboards. Monitor industry news sites, keeping an eye out for new opportunities to promote yourself or start a blog that paints you in a positive and professional light. The more positive ways you can get your name out there, the bigger and better your brand will be.

Once you’ve created a brand that you’re happy with, keep your online profile current by updating your CV and online accounts regularly. Remain active in the forums and keep abreast of new developments.

Following these steps will help you to market yourself in the best possible way. Remember, though, that what you do online is often very visible and not always easy to remove. Also, of course, remember to be honest about your experiences, without hiding your light under a bushel or being excessively self-deprecatory. These days, your online profile could well be the first thing a prospective employer checks out, so make sure your brand is one you can be proud of. For more help and information on advancing your career following redundancy, check out some of the career assessment opportunities available online.

Tags: career assessment, career change, new career

Think brands and you probably think of the big name products that line supermarket shelves. But now, thanks to the Internet, people are increasingly seen as brands in their own right. You may not even realise it, but anyone with a Facebook or Twitter account already has an online brand. In fact, profiles on any networking sites and personal blogs also have the potential to contribute to other people’s perceptions of you.

Although it’s always important to come across well to others, it’s especially so after redundancy or when you’re seeking a career change. Get your brand image right and it may help secure you an interview – get it wrong and it could destroy your chances of landing that dream job. And though anonymity might seem like a safe bet, it is in some respects an opportunity missed. If you’re hoping to find a new job or attract attention from other employers, now is the time to start managing your brand and refining your online presence.

Improving your online brand

If you type your name into a search engine, are the results a positive and accurate reflection of you? If so, great – but if not, take note. Although your mates might enjoy photos of you worse for wear or indiscreet tweets, it’s unlikely that any prospective employers will be impressed. Set up proper privacy settings on these accounts so that only the right people can access them. Also make sure you remove any controversial pictures or videos from photo and video sharing sites.

The next step is to start getting your name higher up the rankings. Think about setting up an account or creating new networks on sites such as LinkedIn. Upload your CV onto well established job sites, some of which even search through job vacancies for you. Or why not create your own website, including your CV and recent examples of your work? Such sites can be used to get the word out that you’re looking for a new career.

Boost your profile by getting involved in relevant online discussions and noticeboards. Monitor industry news sites, keeping an eye out for new opportunities to promote yourself or start a blog that paints you in a positive and professional light. The more positive ways you can get your name out there, the bigger and better your brand will be.

Once you’ve created a brand that you’re happy with, keep your online profile current by updating your CV and online accounts regularly. Remain active in the forums and keep abreast of new developments.

Following these steps will help you to market yourself in the best possible way. Remember, though, that what you do online is often very visible and not always easy to remove. Also, of course, remember to be honest about your experiences, without hiding your light under a bushel or being excessively self-deprecatory. These days, your online profile could well be the first thing a prospective employer checks out, so make sure your brand is one you can be proud of. For more help and information on advancing your career following redundancy, check out some of the career assessment opportunities available online.

Tags: career assessment, career change, new career