How to create a personal brand to enhance your job search

How to create a personal brand to enhance your job searchHow to create a personal brand to enhance your job searchThese days the term branding means so much more than what comes to mind when you think of a particular company or product. Brands, in the traditional sense, of course still exist, but in this day and age of social media importance, its more critical than ever for individuals to brand themselves, as well. Developing your own personal brand doesnt have to be intimidating, though. Just a few simple steps can help you narrow down the best approach, which will hopefully help you land your dream job.Heres how to create a personal brand that willenhance your job searchDefine your brandYou might think that writer, illustrator, or content creator is enough of a personal brand, but really, those are just job titles. To develop your actual brand, youll need to put a little more thought into what it is that you actually create (or hope to create) on a daily basis with your work.For e xample, perhaps as an illustrator youre well known for your quirky caricatures, or as a writer youve really cornered the market on crypto-currency, international travel, or single parenting. Whatever it is youre best at in your particular job, own it and flaunt it in every way possible. This could mean developing a brand statement, getting new headshots that drive home your specialty, re-writing your resume to really showcase those particular talents, or, likely, all of the above.Do a social media overhaulEveryone has embarrassing photos from back in the day when they first joined Facebook, but since Facebook is about so much more than just connecting with old friends these days, its time todo an overhaul of your profile to ensure its professionaland on-brand. Its not just Facebook that needs updating, though- be sure to check in across all of your social media sites (Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.) to ensure there isnt anything embarrassing that you wouldnt want potential futu re employers to see.After thats done, consider updating your sites so that its clear what your new brand is across all platforms. This could mean uploading your new headshots, adding your brand tagline, sharing your new work, or starting conversations with others in the same field. A good rule of thumb is to do a Google search for yourself, and whatever comes up that you have access to, change it so that your brand is front and center.Fill in any holesIts not enough to just have a LinkedIn profile that showcases your professional brand these days, you should really consider having multiple online places for people to find you.If you dont already have a professional website, create one.If you arent on Facebook, great Start a new page with only your professional brand and goals in mind. Also consider checking on other networking platforms or job forums where you can upload your new resume and share your new brand-oriented social media sites for potential new projects and jobs.Check ba ck in, frequentlyDeveloping a personal brandisnt a one-and-done process, itll require constant upkeep and checking in. The more you interact on your new brand-conscious social media sites, the more likely you will be to cash in on new opportunities.That means you should try to post to your Twitter and Facebook feeds at least daily (multiple times a day is even better), and always share your own work, as well as the work of others that you find interesting or that is in line with your own brand objectives and goals.This article first appeared on FlexJobs.