In today’s job market, you’re not just a name on a resume — you’re a walking, talking digital brand. Whether you’re shaking hands in an interview or scrolling through LinkedIn, how you present yourself speaks volumes about what you bring to the table.
What is a personal brand?
A personal brand defines how the world sees you. At the same time, a personal brand shows how you want to be seen. Ultimately, it should:
- distinguish you from other talent
- showcase what makes you unique
- clearly present your values and perspective
Why is a personal brand important?
More than a catchy tagline or curated online persona, your personal brand is a reflection of your values, your strengths and your unique perspective. When done right, it becomes a powerful tool to set you apart, not only in the job market, but in life.
But building a personal brand isn’t some lofty idea reserved for influencers or entrepreneurs. It’s practical. It’s doable. And it starts with one simple question: Who are you, and what do you stand for?
3 tips for building a personal brand
Let’s break it down into three steps to help you own your brand and show the world — and potential employers — what makes you stand out.
1. Define your desired brand
Before you start posting inspirational quotes or curating your LinkedIn bio, take some time to look inward. Think about your strengths, passions and values. What are you naturally good at? What excites you? And what do you want others to remember about you when they walk away from a conversation?
Your brand isn’t just about what you do — it’s about who you are. Employers are looking for people who share their values, and when the right match happens, it’s like career magic.
Here’s the million-dollar question: What sets you apart? Think about what makes you unique and how you can leverage that in your career. Are you a problem-solver who thrives under pressure? A creative thinker who sees the world differently? Define it, own it and be unapologetically you. And remember, this isn’t just about impressing employers — it’s about building confidence in yourself.
2. Audit and elevate your existing brand
OK. You’ve nailed your brand. Now it’s time to see if your digital presence tells the same story. In a world where recruiters are just a Google search away, your social media profiles can make or break your first impression.
A Harris Poll survey found that 70% of hiring decision-makers believe employers should screen every applicant’s social media profiles. Translation? Every post, like and comment matters. Think of your online presence as your digital handshake — are you presenting your best self, or is your profile riddled with inconsistency and questionable content?
Start by asking yourself these questions:
- Does my LinkedIn profile reflect my skills and achievements? If not, update it. Add your latest projects, roles and accomplishments.
- Are my social media accounts professional? While personal posts are fine, avoid anything that could be seen as controversial or unprofessional.
- Am I consistent across platforms? Your Instagram, LinkedIn and even your email signature should tell the same story.
Here are some practical tips for polishing your digital brand:
- Professional vibes only. Choose a profile picture that looks sharp and approachable. Share content that aligns with your values.
- Consistency is king. Your LinkedIn, Instagram and digital portfolio should all reflect a cohesive message about who you are.
- Highlight quality work. Create a digital portfolio showcasing your best projects, from blog posts to design work — whatever tells your story.
If your online presence doesn’t reflect the brand you’re building, now’s the time for a refresh. Remember, your digital footprint is often the first impression employers will have of you. Make it count.
3. Maintain your brand
Here’s a little secret: Your personal brand isn’t static. It’s a living, breathing thing that grows with you. And just like you wouldn’t wear the same style forever (hopefully), your brand needs regular updates.
Start by auditing your online presence every few months. What’s outdated? What’s new? Then refine your story. Maybe you’ve completed a new certification, taken on a leadership role or developed a new passion. Incorporate those updates into your brand so it stays relevant and reflective of where you’re heading.
Networking is another nonnegotiable. Share your expertise and connect with like-minded professionals who can amplify your brand. Networking isn’t just about landing a job — it’s about building relationships that can open doors and spark opportunities.
Life changes, too — and your brand should reflect that. Take Julie, for instance. She became a mom while working at Paycom, and her brand shifted to focus on balance and family-friendly values.
Finally, align your brand with companies that reflect your values. When you work somewhere that resonates with your goals, everything clicks. Paycom is a great example — we emphasize innovation, service and employee growth. These are a few of the many benefits of a Paycom career.
Personal brand examples
What makes your personal brand stand out depends on how it’s used. Empathy and authenticity are Oprah Winfrey ’s brand cornerstones. Steve Jobs, on the other hand, built his personal brand around a strong aesthetic and forward-thinking design.
At Paycom, values like innovation and service drive everything we do. Kayla, a Paycom employee, says she loves working here because it’s constantly evolving, keeping her work fresh and exciting. Adriana, another Paycom team member, found her passion for community service aligned perfectly with the company’s mission, and she’s made an impact in her role while staying true to her personal values. These are just two examples of how Paycom employees use their work to continually enhance their personal brand.
Show the world what you’re made of
Establishing your personal brand takes effort, but the payoff is definitely worth it. It’s about showing the world who you are, what you stand for and why you’re worth remembering.
In other words, your personal brand isn’t just a career booster — it’s a career builder. When you take the time to define, refine and maintain your brand, you’re setting yourself up for success in the present and creating a legacy for the future.
Ready to bring your personal brand to a company that values innovation and individuality? Apply to Paycom today!
