Let’s get started by creating your resume branding strategy. What you might find a little funny though is that we are not even going to look at your resume today! This is the step that is often missed by job searchers. One of the biggest mistakes is not doing this pre-work and really thinking about your resume branding strategy before you start updating your resume.

Start asking yourself some questions like what is the first thing that you want the interviewer to know about you? Remember, often a recruiter only spends 5-7 seconds on your resume so you must be ready to convey the most important part first! Also, what makes you unique and what makes you awesome? (remember it’s ok to brag now! Don’t be humble ladies!!) Once you have the answers to these questions, it will be time to create your resume branding strategy and we will break your brand into five different categories:

How to Create a Resume Branding Strategy

1. Brainstorm

What is the first thing you want the interviewer to know about you?

What makes you unique?

Why are you different from other candidates?

Why are you awesome?

What are your passions?

Think that you are writing a story or play about yourself. What story do you want to communicate on your resume?

5-Step Resume Branding Strategy

1. Who am I?

2. Who is my target?

3. What is my goal?

4. How do I stand out?

5. How do I want to be known?

2. Your Career Goals

A resume helps you meet your goal. So what is your goal? You are in charge of your career and where you are going. What do you really want?

My short-term career goal is:

My long-term career goal is:

3. Career Targets

List your top Ideal Career/Industry Targets:

List what qualities, experiences and skills a person would need to have in order to reach this career target.

List what makes you want to go into this career:

4. Your Personality

Dig out old personality assessments or take our DISC personality assessment in Love Your Career Formula. What are some positive qualities from the personality assessment that you can use on your resume?

5. Your Strengths

What are your strengths?

These are all the questions you want to think about.