Career Advice on Personal Branding for Millennials

Carlos Gil
Digital and Social Media Marketing Executive, Entrepreneur, Speaker

Career Advice on Personal Branding for Millennials
April 28, 2014




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A few years ago, at a job fair, a recent college graduate told me there were “no jobs” for him at the event. I looked around the room in disbelief and pointed to 20+ hiring companies. He said he was looking for a job that would pay him $100K+ and wasn't looking for an entry-level position. This was during the recession. I looked at this young man straight in the eyes and asked him “What makes you stand out from everyone else here?” He walked away. I couldn't help but think how entitled this person felt just because he had a college degree. That's a Millennial for you. At 30 years old, I'm a Millennial too. We are smart, too smart at times. But, not wise in comparison to our older Baby Boomer counterparts. The reality is… we're younger than most seasoned veterans in our industry – whatever that may be. Now that I’ve been “around the block” in Corporate America for 10+ years, and am growing upward in my career, I have a different perspective than I did years ago. I’m no longer the younger 20-something that nobody took seriously as I was coming up.

Over the years I’ve learned, it’s not so much about saying the right things in a job interview, but how you pitch your personal brand to a prospective employer as a value add. Anyone can “say the right things” and unfortunately many companies hire based on what they see on paper. However, you can’t fake personal branding. A Millennial is never going to win the argument that his/her limited work experience outweighs that of a seasoned vet. But, job hunting is sales and Millennials need to think of the recruiter as the client. Being a thought-leader via your blog, having a social media presence via LinkedIn and Twitter is highly appealing to employers today. It shows commitment and understanding of today's digital landscape. What set’s you apart from millions of other professionals isn’t what’s on your resume – only a piece of paper – it’s your own personal brand.

Below are 5 personal branding tips to help you stand out in your job search and career.

1. What is Personal Branding?

Simply put, people are brands too. In today's competitive job market, having a Twitter following, a subscriber base on your blog, and a large LinkedIn network all matters. When you market yourself to a potential employer, or organization, as having credibility in your space that's personal branding.

2. How Millennials and Baby Boomers View Personal Branding Differently

Millennials expect privacy through social media yet they tend to share everything that they do i.e. Check-in at bars, share dirty jokes, wild pictures, etc. Your personal brand is a direct reflection of who you portray to others online. However, the younger demographic is also highly engaged in using multiple social channels such as: Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram for information sharing and collaboration, whereas Baby Boomers are much more guarded, less transparent, and more reliant on traditional forms of communication like telephone, face-to-face meetings, and yes -- email.

3. Importance of Social Media for Personal Branding

What's your online presence say about you? For most jobs today, expect a recruiter to Google your name and also see what they can learn about you on Facebook. Turn this into a positive. Because employers are turning to social media, your social influence can go a long way in determining next steps. Ask yourself: What makes you unique to an employer? What makes you stand out? What’s your personal brands value proposition? Social media is critical for personal branding. We all have access to the same tools, use them.

4. How I Built a Personal Brand While Unemployed

I wouldn’t be where I’m at today in my career if it weren’t for social media. In 2008, I was laid off from my job in the financial services industry due to the economy. I turned to LinkedIn to rebrand, build a network of contacts, and gain new experience. Through social networking I built a database of headhunters and recruiters which led me to creating JobsDirectUSA. As a result of my layoff, I developed a personal brand which has opened several doors since which otherwise wouldn't have been possible. You can learn more at: MyUnemployedLife.com.

5. The Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media for Personal Branding

It’s all about “Who you know and who knows you.” Definitely leverage LinkedIn and Twitter for professional networking. Join groups and connect with recruiters at hiring companies that you want to work for. Be prepared to articulate your “30-second pitch,” including the value that you bring. Personal branding and networking is like dating, so take it step-by-step. I want to be sold on who you are, not the company you represent or why you are reaching out to me is only because I have something you want. Add value to relationships, be a thought leader in your industry, contribute to conversation and stand out. Time and effort is required, nobody's going to find you and offer you a job if you’re not investing in yourself. If you're on Facebook, even if your profile is seen by friends only, leave any content or comments that could be seen as unprofessional off. Again, your brand is a direct reflection of who you are.

All the best,

~ Carlos

Check out 10 Tips to Help You Find a Job in 2014.


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