Here's how you can infuse creativity into your job search strategy.

One thing that I look for in a resume when considering possible new hires is how an applicant’s personality and skills can fit in our current department. It is no longer enough that an applicant has the degree(s) and skill(s) needed for the job, it is also vital that the applicant’s characteristics will enhance the department’s culture and productivity. It is no longer true that the candidate that gave the best answers will always be the one that I choose to hire. I will also take into consideration how the applicant will fit the current atmosphere of the department.

Almost everyone loves a good story - what's your story? Too often, "personal brand" is associated with some pretty negative things - being self-centered, self-promoting, loud, inconsiderate, etc. That mindset leads to people under-estimating the importance of their personal brand. Is this you? From my perspective, your personal brand consists of 1. What you value most and 2. How you express those values through behaviors. It doesn't demand that you scream "LOOK AT ME" constantly but it does take some conscious effort to be effective. Small efforts such as taking a personal values exercise and consciously using that information daily can be a strategic advantage over those that do not make the effort.

While personal branding can seem complex, it's essential to adapt it to your specific job market. For example, in South Korea, the job market is slowly shifting from traditional expectations to more modern approaches. Personal branding has become more important, but some jobs still prefer employees who can blend in rather than stand out with strong opinions or distinct personalities. This may seem rigid, but it's about finding a balance. Resumes and cover letters might seem like formalities, but they still play a role. However, employers increasingly check online profiles to gauge a candidate's morality, ethics, and technological proficiency. Your online presence can provide a more dynamic and comprehensive view of who you are.

Building on my "personal brand" response - what story does your resume tell? Wait!? My resume tells a story? YES! Many look at the resume as a data dump of facts that is a forced requirement to get a job. While that's not completely inaccurate - as a former hiring manager and job seeker myself, I can tell you that the "just the facts" resumes can be pretty ineffective. What does your resume tell the reader? What do you need them to know? Are you waiting until the "end" to tell the most important parts? Keep in mind that most people won't read the end of your story unless it has a great beginning and middle. Also, what does the story mean TO THE READER? Don't ever assume that the reader will "just get" the message without your help.

"I don't like to 'sell myself'!" is something I've both said and heard throughout my career. I get it. I've met people that were self-aggrandizing jerks all in the name of "personality" or "personal branding." That's not a good excuse for the behavior and is definitely not the definition of personal branding that I've found to be effective. Whether you're actively searching for a job or making connections professionally to be successful you need to communicate about yourself in a concise way that connects with the person you're communicating with and, with skill, compels them to want to know more. Your personal story starts with knowing yourself and builds from there. A career strategist/coach can help you build a brand with substance.