In today’s competitive job market, having the right skills and experience is only part of the equation. Employers are increasingly looking beyond the traditional CV to understand who you are, what you stand for, and how you can add value to their organisation. That’s where personal branding comes in—and for jobseekers, LinkedIn is the ultimate stage to showcase it.
What is Personal Branding?
Your personal brand is your professional identity. It’s how you present yourself to the world, and the expertise you bring to the table. It’s your professional online image and how you position yourself in your industry.
LinkedIn, as the world’s largest professional networking platform, is a powerful tool for jobseekers to establish, refine, and amplify their personal brand. With over 900 million users globally, LinkedIn is often the first place recruiters and hiring managers go to learn more about you.
Why Should You Build Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn?
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Showcase Your Unique Value Proposition
Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a static CV, it’s a dynamic platform to tell your story. Use it to highlight your skills, accomplishments, and career aspirations in a way that sets you apart from other candidates.
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Expand Your Network
LinkedIn allows you to connect with professionals across industries, recruiters, and potential employers. Building your personal brand helps you stand out in these networks, making you more memorable and approachable.
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Gain Visibility with Recruiters
A strong personal brand can improve your visibility in LinkedIn search results, making it easier for recruiters to find you. Keywords, endorsements, and recommendations all contribute to ensuring your profile ranks higher when hiring managers search for talent in your field.
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Establish Credibility and Trust
Regularly sharing insights, engaging with industry content, and publishing your own articles or posts can position you as a thought leader in your field. This boosts your credibility and shows that you’re actively invested in your industry.
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Stand Out in a Crowded Market:
The job market is highly competitive. A polished, authentic LinkedIn profile that reflects your personal brand can be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked.
So, the benefits of a strong presence on LinkedIn can enhance your professional reputation and can be the difference between you getting that job interview or not, so how exactly do you build your personal brand?
Here are some top tips:
How to Build Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn
1. Optimise Your Profile
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Profile Picture: Use a high-quality, professional photo. Profiles with a photo receive far more engagement than those without.
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Headline: Craft a compelling headline that goes beyond your job title. Focus on the value you bring, e.g. "Digital Marketing Specialist | Driving Growth Through Data-Driven Strategies."
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About Section: Tell your story in the "About" section. Highlight your career journey, key achievements, and professional passions. Keep it authentic and engaging.
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Skills and Endorsements: List relevant skills and request endorsements from colleagues or peers to add credibility.
2. Create and Share Content
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Share industry news, personal insights, or professional milestones to keep your profile active and relevant.
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Write LinkedIn articles to showcase your expertise and interest in your industry
3. Network Strategically
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Connect with relevant professionals in your industry, recruiters, and alumni from your educational institutions.
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Personalise connection requests to build genuine relationships.
4. Engage Consistently
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Like, comment, and share content from your network. Engaging thoughtfully can increase your visibility and credibility in your industry.
How Often Should You Post?
The LinkedIn algorythm is constantly changing, but according to latest advice you should post between 2-5 times per week, and the optimal time and day is Tuesday and Wednesday between 8am-9am. For more advice on post types and advice check out Authored Up’s latest data-backed Tips
Personal Branding To Boost Your Job Search
Recruiters often approach candidates based on their profiles, even when they’re not actively job hunting and a strong LinkedIn presence demonstrates that you’re proactive, digitally savvy, and invested in your career growth.
For jobseekers, LinkedIn is far more than just a social platform, it’s a tool that can significantly impact your career prospects. By taking the time to build and nurture your personal brand, you position yourself as a standout professional in a competitive market.
So, if you’re looking for a marketing, data or tech role...start today! Optimise your profile, engage with your network, and showcase the unique skills and experiences that make you, you!
Working with Forward Role
Looking for more job search tips or career advice? Forward Role is here to help you land your next big opportunity! Follow us on LinkedIn, browse our latest marketing, digital, data & technology job opportunities, or get in touch with our expert team to discuss your career plans further!
