How to brand yourself as a fresher

When you’re fresh out of college and have no experience, the work scene may seem daunting to you. You will be competing among other graduates from top schools, and some who may have had some experience in the workplace. This means that you must find a way to differentiate and brand yourself so that you are the top pick for any position. Here are a few tips to branding yourself:

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Be yourself

Think about who you are and what you stand for, and let these qualities shine through. Organisations that require you to change your values are the ones that you should pass over. However, you must learn to be flexible as your first job may not be the best. You will get the opportunity to learn and grow, and will soon be able to settle into being yourself at your workplace.

Be confident

This may seem trivial at first, but you need to practice introducing yourself. The first impression that you give people is the one that lasts the longest. Learn to come off as confident without being arrogant, and when someone gives you advice, receive it. Equip yourself with the right tools to shine in a social situation.

Dress for success

While this one can vary depending on the kind of work that you want to pursue, a general rule of thumb is to dress the way you want the world to see you. If you are comfortable working in jeans and a tee, and the dress code defined by your company is in line with it, there’s no reason to stop yourself. However, situations change in the various work environments, so consider how you will be perceived based on your clothing and attitude.

Build your online image

Over 90 percent of recruiters today are using social media, which means that any potential employer will Google you, check your LinkedIn profile, and find you on other social media platforms. So, it is important that your social media does not reflect something you wouldn’t want others to see. Re-check your privacy settings so inappropriate photos don’t make their way into the workplace. Make some valuable connections on LinkedIn and market yourself – this is an excellent way to generate leads for a new job.

Network

Networking is key when it comes to branding yourself. Unless your boss knows you, you’re not going to get that next promotion. Unless your recruiter understands who you are, you’re probably not even going to get that job. Make valuable connections with classmates and seniors from school/college, colleagues from your internship, and other superiors, and learn from the best of them.

Ask for feedback

Brand marketing is a way to gain brand acknowledgement, which leads to positive recognition, and this is exactly what you must do with yourself, too. Listening to what the customer needs is the crux of the job of any marketer. You are marketing yourself to your potential employers, and this requires you to listen to their feedback on what they require. Pass your resume along to someone who is experienced and get some insights on how you are currently presenting yourself. This could help you re-brand where you think necessary.

Branding yourself is a key element to success in life, and it works best when you get started earlier rather than later.