rita ogbeama

Recent graduates need to brand themselves. It is the most critical part of marketing yourself. You need to think in the mindset of employers. What do employers and your associates think when they see your resume, cover letter, business card, website, blog or even see you in person?

Just as companies are selling products/services to consumers you are selling yourself to potential employers. Think of the 4p’s Product, Promotion, Place and Price.  

Product/Service = YOU

• Skills
• Education
• Experience

Promotion of the Product/Service

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Interview
• References

Place – Distribution Channel

• Network Events
• Job Boards
• Company’s website
• Newspaper
• Cold calling
• Recruiters
• Career Fairs
• Career Center Dept.

Personal branding can help a job seeker communicate their skills and abilities in a unique and effective way. Right now, to most of us personal branding is just a word. I believe it is the cure for surviving the downward economy.  There are 3 times more job seekers than open positions! From my experience working with Job seekers, it is extremely hard to even get an interview in today’s economy. You have to change your approach.

Resume after resume are placed in the front of recruiters. Some will make the cut while others will be tossed away.  How do we get into the pile they read? How do we set ourselves apart? Personal Branding is the answer. We are the products that are sold to employers. What makes your product different from another product?  Knowing the product well along the characteristics of it and how the employer would benefit from it is. If you understand both the product and target well you will be able to sell it with the right mediums.

Don’t be left behind! Brand Yourself!