As marketing students we have all learned that we can brand products, services and even people. But have you ever really thought about what it takes to brand a person? Or how personal branding can help make you stand out in a pool of job applicants?

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Here are my TOP 5 TIPS to elevate your personal brand:

Tip One: Get a great headshot

A professional looking headshot can go a long way. They show employers who you are. Headshots don’t need to be taken by a photographer. All you need to do is put on professional work clothes and stand against a clean white wall, your friend or self-timer can take the photo for you. You can use this headshot on your LinkedIn, resume, email, on your website, blog and more.

Tip Two: Come up with a professional tagline

Try to focus your tagline around 2 or 3 of your key skills or abilities and make sure it’s short and sweet. Personally I call myself a ‘designer & digital marketer’. These words were carefully chosen to reflect my skills and also to be memorable to the person looking through applications. 

Tip Three: Keep colours consistent 

Just like Coca Cola’s red and Cardbury’s purple, you can have your own brand colour. Think about the industry that you are hoping to get into and the colours that are most appropriate for that. If you want to get into a corporate company consider navy blue or grey for a professional touch. If you’re thinking about agency work, vibrant orange or yellow could add a creative spark. You can also use colour as a way of conveying your personality. Make sure you include this colour on all of your emails, LinkedIn, business cards and basically everything you do that represents your personal brand.

Tip Four: Get some business cards

Keep some business cards on you at all times. They’re a great way to show people that you are passionate about what you do and can be taken seriously. It also makes it very easy to quickly give potential employers and clients all the information they need to contact you without fumbling around and writing it down. You can create business cards yourself on Canva and get them printed at Officeworks cheaply. For a professional touch, include your personal colour and tagline.

Tip Five: Always present yourself as if your future employer is watching

No matter who you’re meeting, conduct yourself in the same way that you would if you were at an interview for your dream job. In the marketing industry, the people in your network are very important and you never know who can help you to progress in your career. We all know that branding isn’t just about taglines and colours, it’s about meaning and this is no exception when it comes to personal branding. Strive to have people think of positive words that would describe you when they hear your name. For example, a graphic designer may want to be thought of as creative, punctual and thoughtful.

Have fun with your own personal brand. All the best, Mariah x 

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Are you looking for your next internship, job or a graduate opportunity? If you are an MMSS member, head to the MMSS Jobs Hub to see all the opportunities that are available to you from over 40 featured companies. Enter the Jobs Hub HERE.

Are you looking for inspiration and want to hear the stories of our own MMSS alumni and their career experiences? The 2020 MMSS Careers Book is an invaluable asset for students seeking to pursue a career in marketing, providing you insights, tips and advice. Read the 2020 Careers Book HERE.

Are you looking for your go-to place for all things marketing and uni-life related? The MMSS Facebook Hub is a community of like-minded Monash marketing students to chat, ask questions and have fun. Join the Group HERE.