Why a Great CV Isn’t Enough: The Power of Your Personal Brand in Today’s Job Market"

As a Career Coach, one of the first things I do with clients is help them create their personal brand. While many still believe a great CV is the key to career success—and it is important—it’s no longer the differentiating factor. Everyone has a CV, but no one else has your distinct Personal Brand. It’s this unique brand that sets you apart, and ultimately, that’s what people invest in—YOU.

Career Meltdown: When a Great CV Isn't Enough

I’ve coached clients with incredibly successful careers who suddenly find themselves stuck. Despite having strong resumes, they’re no longer getting the opportunities or conversations that lead to their next role. I call this a Career Meltdown, and it’s a signal that something needs to change.

Many clients approach me expecting help with updating their CVs or getting career advice. When I tell them that I don’t write CVs or give career advice but instead offer to help them achieve their life goals, I’m often met with either silence or hesitation. Some take the leap into coaching, while others, not yet ready for the deeper work, politely decline and seek someone to update their CV or LinkedIn profile.

Don’t get me wrong—having a great CV and LinkedIn profile is essential. But before you create these documents, it’s crucial to ensure they align with who you are, the value you offer, and the results you can deliver. This alignment is your Personal Brand, and that’s what your CV and LinkedIn profile should truly reflect.

What is Personal Branding?

Personal branding expert Matt Sweetwood defines it as, “The practice of people marketing themselves and their careers as brands—an ongoing process of establishing a prescribed image or impression in the mind of others.”

Similarly, Dave Buck, CEO of CoachVille, highlights the value of a personal brand by saying, “Your brand is a gateway to your true work. When you create a compelling brand, you attract people who want the promise of your brand—which you deliver.”

Your Personal Brand is your mark on the world. It’s how others see you, the legacy you leave behind, and something far more lasting than any business brand.

How Personal Branding Can Save You from a Career Meltdown

In 1997, Tom Peters coined the phrase “The Brand Called You” in an article for Fast Company, encouraging professionals to think of themselves as CEOs of their own company: Me Inc. He emphasized, “You are in charge of your brand. There is no single path to success, but the key is to start today.”

Personal branding makes you conscious of your unique traits and positions you to stand out, especially among job applicants. Knowing who you are and what you bring to the table enables you to navigate the ever-changing world of work with confidence. Your personal brand communicates your value, making people want to engage with you because they know you can deliver.

Investing in Yourself to Avoid Career Meltdown

Albert Einstein said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If you keep approaching your career the same way, you’ll keep getting the same results. Facing a career meltdown requires thinking outside the box and doing things differently.

Most people can’t make these changes on their own, which is where working with a Career Coach becomes invaluable. A coach will help you define and articulate your Personal Brand—who you are, what you offer, and how you present yourself to the world. Be prepared to work hard, as building a personal brand takes time and self-reflection. You’ll have to step out of your comfort zone, not just once, but many times.

The more you push past your limits, the more comfortable you’ll become with being outside of them. So, ask yourself: Would you rather endure the pain of staying stuck or the discomfort of change that leads to real results?

Looking Toward Your Future Self

We live in a world where how we communicate and present ourselves is constantly evolving. Whether you realize it or not, your brand is already out there on social media and the web. If you don’t take control of it, you’re missing out on opportunities that could change your life.

Take the time, effort, and financial investment to build a Personal Brand that stands out from the crowd. Let people know who you are, what value you deliver, and what makes you unique.

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

So, what steps are you taking to shape a personal brand that truly reflects who you are and the value you bring?

Are you ready to take control and stand out in your career?

Let me know in the comments!