Personal Branding and Marketing

First it would be helpful to define "branding" and "marketing" seperately before the terms are conbined to understand that these are seperate concepts that entail a unique set of activities. Even though this seems elementary, it typical helps to break things down into first principles to gain clarity into the mission.

Branding

A brand is an identifier (i.e. name, logo, etc.) that communicates the value and expectations of the product to the consumer/customer/client.

What is your professional brand?

Your brand reflects your reputation – what you're known for (or would like to be known for). It’s the positive characteristics, strengths, and achievements that distinguish you from others. Your professional brand is the essence of who you are in the workplace.

Developing a strong professional brand is critical in building and maintaining a successful career. It’s the process of discovering what makes you unique, identifying your skills and abilities, and communicating your message succinctly and with confidence.

Marketing

The essence of marketing is creating awareness and interest. Within the scope of interviewing for a job, the following are tools that are generally used when marketing yourself during a jobsearch:

• Your resume (your professional ad)
• Your professional brand
• Social media profiles
• A professional website
• Networking
• References

Converting a jobsearch into a job offer is made possible via your marketing effort, but will ultimately be based on the results of the INTERVIEW.