Master the art of building a strong professional brand and cultivating meaningful connections with our essential tips and strategies.
Creating a personal brand involves introspection and a clear understanding of your unique value. Reflect on these key questions to define and strengthen your personal brand:
Reflecting on these questions will help you craft a compelling personal brand that resonates with your audience and aligns with your goals.
Implement your personal brand whenever and wherever you engage professionally. Specifically:
Develop a concise introduction for networking and interviews, adaptable for LinkedIn and other platforms.
Ensure your social media profiles reflect your brand. Share content and connect with others who share your values and interests.
Showcase your work through a personal website or portfolio, enhancing your LinkedIn profile and resume.
Actively participate in networking opportunities, leveraging platforms like WidenerCONNECT to join relevant groups and expand your network.
Networking is the top method for finding a job, responsible for up to 83% of new hires, surpassing the internet, resume blasts, and career fairs. Are you utilizing networking? Do you know where to start and how to use it effectively?
Networking is not about collecting business cards or meeting as many people as possible at an event. It's about creating opportunities to meet people and investing in mutually beneficial relationships that support your long-term goals. Networking involves developing and nurturing relationships, focusing on mutual benefits, and building a web of influencers and supporters.
Begin by considering people you already know, such as former bosses, colleagues, friends, classmates, relatives, and former or current teachers. Then, expand your list by:
Social media can be a powerful tool for expanding your network and knowledge base, but it can also have negative consequences if not used appropriately.
While some platforms may be intended for personal use (e.g., Instagram), it’s crucial to remember that faculty, staff, and potential employers may search for your profiles on these sites.
If you choose to engage with various social media channels, it's essential to always present yourself in the best possible light.
95% of recruiters use LinkedIn for candidate sourcing. With a robust LinkedIn profile, you'll grab the attention of recruiters and connections, opening doors to job opportunities and expanding your network.
When sending connection requests on LinkedIn, it's essential to follow the 5 P’s to ensure your request is well-received and effective.
5 P’s of LinkedIn Requests:
These principles guide you in crafting a message that is respectful, relevant, tailored to the recipient, maintains a professional tone, and acknowledges the recipient’s achievements or work.
Alumni Connection Example:
Good Afternoon Mr. Randall,
Hi my name is Jamie Frasier! I’m a junior at Widener University majoring in finance, I see you graduated from Widener as well. I’m very interested in learning more about your current position at Highlander LLC and learning more about your experiences after Widener that led you to such success. Would you be interested in talking more with me? It would be great to grab a cup of coffee or talk on the phone more about your experiences in finance.
Thanks, Jamie Frasier
Someone you don’t know, but want to know!:
Hi Ms. Sanderson,
I’m a college senior interested in working in marketing. For the last year, I’ve been following your work for Bryan & Associates, and it’s really impressed me. I particularly loved your campaign recent campaign in The Atlantic—that multimedia component was totally unexpected and really effective. If you ever have 20 or so minutes, I’d love to hear more about how you started working in the field and what skills you believe are most relevant to the profession.
Thanks, Claire Beauchamp
Effective networking involves using tools like business cards, thank-you notes, and elevator pitches to make a memorable and professional impression. With WidenerCONNECT, you can leverage these elements even further by connecting with alumni and industry professionals, enhancing your networking efforts. Mastering these tools ensures you leave a lasting impact on those you meet and maximize your connections.
Physical or digital cards containing your contact information. They are essential for sharing your details quickly during networking events, meetings, or casual encounters. A few pointers to keep in mind:
Jobscan is a valuable tool for enhancing your personal branding. It analyzes your resume and LinkedIn profile against job descriptions, offering insights to tailor your documents to the skills and keywords employers seek. This optimization boosts your chances of getting noticed and ensures your online presence reflects your strengths and career goals. Whether you're preparing for internships or your first full-time role, Jobscan helps you present a compelling and targeted professional image.
Sending a thank-you note is crucial for leaving a lasting impression after a networking meeting, function, or interview. It shows appreciation for someone's time and reinforces your interest. Here are some tips to craft an effective thank-you note:
An elevator pitch, also known as a 30-second commercial, is a brief, targeted, and meaningful introduction of a person, product, or idea. It's designed to be delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator with a client or employer. A successful pitch should inspire further conversation. Here's how to craft an effective elevator pitch:
Join WidenerCONNECT to expand your professional network, connect with alumni and industry experts, and access tailored career development resources. Sign up in just a minute using your LinkedIn profile to start sharing advice, exploring mentorships, and building valuable connections!
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