Are you ready to make 2015 the best year for your career? If so, it might be time to refresh your personal brand.Refreshing your personal brand will make you feel more confident about your career, discover new opportunities, and get noticed by employers. By refreshing your resume or updating your online portfolio, you can make small changes to your personal brand that will make a big impact on your career.
Here are five ways to refresh your personal brand in 2015:
1. Create a new professional relationship.
Relationships play an essential role in your personal brand because they can help you discover new ideas and identify your strengths. Make it a goal to connect with at least one new professional and find a mentor. These connections can provide you with the guidance you need to create a stronger personal brand this year.
2. Give your website a face-lift.
Your online presence says a lot about your personal brand. It allows you to build credibility as a professional and create a voice for yourself within your industry. Additionally, employers want to hire candidates who are actively building a name for themselves online.
Invest some time (and even money) in refreshing your professional website. If you haven’t already, try purchasing your domain and give your website a professional layout. As you update your website, it’s also important to create new blog content and add new samples from your portfolio. These changes can make a big impact on your personal brand.
3. Update your appearance.
Your appearance determines how people perceive you. If you aren’t feeling your best, make 2015 the year that you invest time into your body, appearance, mind, and health. You don’t have to make any drastic changes, but think about some ways you can make yourself feel better about your job search and the impression you make on employers.
For example, if you feel like your wardrobe is outdated, consider adding a new blazer or statement piece to your closet. If you’re hoping to refresh your look, consider trying a new hair style. It’s also important to make sure you’re exercising regularly, making healthy eating choices, and getting enough sleep. These changes can make you feel better about yourself inside and out.
4. Order new business cards.
Are you still using the business cards you created in college? Or do you only have the business cards your last employer gave you? Maybe it’s time to create a new design.
If you aren’t design savvy, reach out to a friend or freelance graphic designer who could design you a new logo at a low cost. Websites such as Etsy and Fiverr provide a marketplace for finding designers. This way, you can create a customized logo that best displays your personal brand.
5. Create a social media strategy.
Social media is more important than ever for job seekers. If you aren’t actively using LinkedIn or Twitter to build your personal brand, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to get noticed by industry professionals.
When creating a social media strategy, there are a few things you need to consider. First, determine how much time you have to devote to social media. If you find yourself pressed for time, it’s a good idea to choose the best platform for your profession. Next, it’s important to create a schedule for sharing industry-related content. This allows you to focus your social media efforts on platforms that will get you noticed by employers.
What are some ways you’ll refresh your personal brand in 2015?
The blog originally appeared on The Personal Branding Blog
Heather R. Huhman is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder & president of Come Recommended, a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for job search and human resources technologies. She is also the instructor of Find Me A Job: How To Score A Job Before Your Friends, author of Lies, Damned Lies & Internships (2011) and #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle (2010), and writes career and recruiting advice for numerous outlets.
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