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from SMU Career Guide 2021, page 38
Establishing your own brand and image, along with making new connections in the industry, is important for a fresh graduate’s career success. Here are some tips on how you can enhance your personal brand and network with ease.
Your personal brand is what people remember of you. In the early stages of your career, managing first impressions and your professional image is crucial in clinching the role you want.
Networking helps you to get to where you want to be as well, and there are certain strategies to follow to make connections with industry contacts successfully.
Know what sets you apart from other candidates gunning for similar roles. When speaking to recruiters, or sending in your resume and cover letter to apply for coveted positions, you need to show that you have the requisite competencies needed and are able to contribute to the industry.
Although you are fresh from school, let recruiters know what form of specialised knowledge or relevant experience you have under your belt. Include a career objective statement or summary of skill sets at the very top of your resume and state why you are meant for the role you applied for very early on in your cover letter.
Having a portfolio which contains your best works helps; when attending job interviews and networking sessions, whether in-person or virtually, you can show your portfolio to interested recruiters.
If you are applying for jobs online, craft your personal bio to show your specialisations and abilities.
Similarly, make sure your LinkedIn profile and social media presence is kept professional, revealing your areas of interest and expertise.
Personal branding tips
1. Determine your unique selling proposition 2. Tell your personal brand story
A word of advice
Be yourself Do not make up selling points at all costs or try too hard to be someone you are not! Concentrate on showcasing your existing skills and experience as a young professional.
Networking strategies
1. Dress well for success
At a networking event, no matter whether it is in-person or virtual, you should be dressed in formal attire, unless the dress code stated is smart casual.
For the gentlemen, prepare your suit and tie for the event as you can always shed layers when the occasion is less formal than expected. Being underdressed is a poor reflection of your professionalism.
As for the ladies, you can remove your formal jacket if the event is not so official. Exercise restraint on accessorising to maintain a professional image.
2. Strategise and be selective 4. Keep the conversation going
Trying to speak to everyone at a networking event is unrealistic and counterproductive, even if it is virtual. Before attending the event, you should find out about the participating companies, and plan who you want to make an impression on.
Strategise how much time you need to do so, and maximise your time and energy for the single event. Prepare an elevator pitch for yourself, focusing on your career background and interests in less than half a minute. It should also be in an interesting and succinct manner.
Avoid sensitive topics such as politics and religion at networking events, and focus on the value you can bring to others with your skills and knowledge.
3. Follow up, follow through 5. Listen and show interest
After meeting someone new at a networking event, you should establish the point of contact via a business card (if the event is physical), a LinkedIn message, or an email, introducing yourself and thanking them for taking the time to speak to you at the event.
You can make a reference to any memorable point during the conversation in person, and do send them any documents as promised, be it your resume or a link to your portfolio. Be engaged in the conversation when you are speaking to someone new or listening to another party.
Ask genuine questions when appropriate and be interested in what the other party is saying. Provide input only when it is necessary.
A word of advice
Put your phone away Even if the networking event is virtual, put your mobile phone on silent mode and keep it away. If you want to take down notes on a device, make sure the other party knows what you are up to, so that you do not come across as rude or uninterested.
