You’ve studied hard, aced your exams, and graduation is right around the corner. But now comes the big question: how do you stand out in a sea of equally qualified candidates? The answer lies in one powerful tool that many students overlook: personal branding.
In today’s competitive job market, landing a job is about more than a degree. Employers want to know who you are – what you bring to the table, what you stand for, and what makes you unique. That’s where personal branding comes in. Whether you’re applying to your dream job or attending your first networking event, building a personal brand can help you leave a lasting impression that goes beyond your resume.
A great place to start is by creating a professional online presence that reflects your skills, values, and personality. From LinkedIn to a personal website, your digital footprint can either make or break that crucial first impression.
How to Build an Online Presence:
Having a strong online presence is essential when building your personal brand, especially as a new graduate entering a competitive job market. Employers often search for candidates online to learn about them, so it’s important to review your digital footprint and see what comes up. You may be surprised by what’s already out there.
LinkedIn is usually the first platform employers use to research their candidates, so in most cases, your LinkedIn profile becomes your first impression. A few tips to make sure your LinkedIn account looks professional:
- Use a professional headshot for your profile picture.
While a professional headshot is ideal, it’s not absolutely necessary. If you don’t have access to one, you can still take a great photo yourself – just make sure you’re dressed in professional attire, use a simple background, and ensure the image is well-lit and high quality. Check out the free LinkedIn Photobooth at the Career Centre for an easy way to get a high-quality professional photo for your LinkedIn profile.
- Write your LinkedIn summary to tell a story.
Explain your professional and academic background, your current role, aspirations, and any impressive details about your accomplishments. This is also a chance to highlight your personality, so make it personal and easy to read. Consider mentioning that you are open to new opportunities and career advancements.
- Be an active LinkedIn member.
Having a strong network of professional connections—especially those aligned with your career goals—shows employers that you’re engaged, personable, and serious about your field. But it’s not just about who you’re connected with; your activity matters too. You can show this by posting about your own experiences, events you attended, or impressive accomplishments, like your graduation or a new promotion. You can also share articles or posts related to your field and express your thoughts through reposts or comments.
Social Media Footprint
While LinkedIn is typically the first platform employers check, it’s important to ensure your other social media accounts are professional too. Take a moment to go through every social media account you have and remove any unprofessional content. If you’d prefer to keep your personal accounts private, consider adjusting your privacy settings to limit what potential employers can see.
Networking and Professional Relationships
Building relationships in your professional community is key. Try your best to attend events like career fairs, conferences, workshops, and information sessions. Even if you’re not actively job hunting, these events offer opportunities to introduce yourself, practice networking, and leave a lasting impression. You never know when you might cross paths with someone who could offer career opportunities down the road. Take full advantage of these networking events to promote your personal brand and connect with professionals in your field.
Create Your Own Web Presence
Depending on your career goals, creating a personal website, portfolio, or blog could be beneficial. This gives you a space to display your work, projects, and accomplishments, providing potential employers a deeper look at your skills and experience.
Written by: Lea Laframboise