The candidate brand: a quick story about Thomas and Jane

Here is a great story about two similar candidates furloughed around the same time.

We will call them Jane and Thomas.

Jane decided it was best that she start in on a candidate brand pretty quickly. She started sharing stories, slowly starting making videos around those stories, and then created a podcast interviewing top professionals in their field, sharing it all to LinkedIn.

Jane was crushing it, making connections, creating a following, and standing out.

She received multiple job offers within 3 months of being furloughed

Thomas decided to sit back and take some time for himself. He would post every now and then on LinkedIn, mainly sharing job posts or commenting on others' posts about the negative experiences they have had.

His "some" time turned into 4 months, then 7 months, and to this day, Thomas is doing some task force work, but is still looking for a full-time job, and has not created any form of a candidate brand.

I know, I know you have heard it for years. You have to have a personal brand.

All of us should have some type of personal brand. They can be from different aspects, but one should be present in your career.

• They can match the company brand and profile
• They can be different from the company, but still, share the company story
• They can be solo, showcasing your expertise
• They can show who you are, from any angle
• and so many more

When you are looking for a job, whether it be actively or passively, you still need to have a personal brand… and that makes your personal brand a candidate brand.

What I mean by that is this… your personal brand, that you have heard of for so long, and probably didn’t know what to do with, is what will or won’t get you hired.

You are way more than just your resume…

You are filled with knowledge, expertise, and passion.

There are so many places to share who you are. Show it.

Let’s start with the biggest one when looking for a job now or in the future.

LinkedIn…. Everyone should be creating content… and content my friend is not always videos.

Content can be any of the following:

·      Videos

·      Posts about the industry or your property

·      Article shares that affect your industry

·      Blog posts

·      Book recommendations

·      Audio or podcasts you like or listen or make

·      Photos about what is happening or of your property

All of these are vital for you in the “personal” or “candidate” brand… why?

When you do apply for a job or are contacted by a recruiter, they will check LinkedIn to see what you are doing professionally, and if you are providing value, it will better your chances as a candidate.

It could, and most likely will make you a top candidate.

So while it may not be accidental, it can accidentally make you a top candidate.

There is a middle road. You do not have to create a podcast or video, but if you follow the path that is right for you, then you will stand out, and your candidate brand will start to grow.

Connect with me and let me help you with this candidate or personal brand, Love to help!

If you missed some insightful talk here is the link to the LinkedIn Live