7 Steps to Build a Personal Brand That Gets You Hired

by Hiration

In today’s job market, standing out isn’t just about skills and experience.

It’s about showing up with a clear, consistent identity that communicates who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re different.

Recruiters are paying attention, too - 85% say they review a candidate’s online presence before making a decision.

Put simply: if you’re not shaping your brand, recruiters already are, without you.

The good news? You can shape the narrative.

Here are 7 clear steps to help you craft a brand that sticks - with recruiters, hiring managers, and your entire network.

1. Define Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

Before you can build your brand, you need to know what you're building. Your Unique Value Proposition is the foundation of your brand.

It’s what makes you, you. Ask yourself:

  • What are my core strengths? Are you a creative problem-solver, a data-driven analyst, or a natural leader?
  • What am I passionate about? What work gets you excited to jump out of bed in the morning?
  • What are my core values? Do you value innovation, community, stability, or continuous learning?

Your answers to these questions will help you define your professional identity.

Make a list of your top 3-5 strengths and the values that guide you. This is your brand's core message.

When you're clear on this, you can confidently list the right resume skills that truly represent your capabilities.

2. Craft Your Elevator Pitch

Now that you know your UVP, you need a quick and compelling way to communicate it.

An elevator pitch is a 30-60 second summary of who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for.

You'll use this pitch everywhere - at networking events, in interviews, and even in your social media bios.

A strong pitch makes a memorable first impression. If you're unsure where to start, learning how to write an elevator pitch is a skill that will serve you throughout your career.

3. Build a Professional Online Hub on LinkedIn

Your LinkedIn profile is no longer just an online resume; it's the central hub for your professional brand.

A staggering 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn regularly to find and vet candidates, according to a recent study.

It's crucial to optimize your profile to reflect the brand you defined in Step 1.

  • Professional Headshot: Use a clear, high-quality photo where you look friendly and professional.
  • Compelling Headline: Don't just put your job title. Use keywords that describe your expertise and the value you offer (e.g., "Marketing Manager Specializing in B2B SaaS Growth | SEO & Content Strategy").
  • Engaging "About" Section: This is your chance to expand on your elevator pitch. Tell your story, highlight your biggest achievements, and show some personality.

4. Clean Up Your Digital Footprint

What do recruiters see when they Google your name? Your digital footprint is a major part of your personal brand. Take control of the narrative.

  • Google Yourself: Search your name in private Browse mode to see what comes up.
  • Review Social Media Profiles: Check your privacy settings on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Remove any unprofessional photos or posts that don't align with the brand you want to project. Your public-facing profiles should be clean and professional.

5. Create and Share Value-Driven Content

The best way to establish yourself as an expert is to share your knowledge. You don't need to be a professional writer to do this.

  • Share Relevant Articles: Post articles on LinkedIn that are relevant to your industry, and add a short comment with your own insight.
  • Write Your Own Posts: Share a story about a professional challenge you overcame or a new skill you've learned.
  • Engage with Others: Comment thoughtfully on posts from industry leaders and companies you admire. This increases your visibility and shows you're engaged in your field.

6. Network with Purpose

Networking isn't about collecting as many connections as possible. It's about building genuine relationships.

A strong professional network can open doors to opportunities you won't find on job boards. Focus on building connections with people in your target industry or companies.

Personalize your connection requests on LinkedIn and engage with their content before asking for a favor.

7. Infuse Your Brand into Your Applications

Finally, ensure every part of your job application is consistent with the personal brand you've so carefully built.

Your resume, cover letter, and interview answers should all tell the same story.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Your resume should be more than a list of job duties; it should be a marketing document that showcases your achievements. Make sure you know how to write a resume that highlights the skills and experiences that align with your brand and the job description.
  • Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to connect the dots for the hiring manager. Explain why you're passionate about the role and how your unique value aligns with the company's mission.
  • Ace the Interview: When you get to the interview, your personal brand should shine through in how you answer questions and present yourself. This is your chance to bring your brand to life.

Wrapping Up

Your personal brand isn’t built overnight, but every step you take helps shape how the world sees you.

From refining your message to showing up consistently across platforms, branding is how you own your story before someone else writes it for you.

Whether you're updating your resume, preparing for interviews, or polishing your online presence, consistency and clarity make all the difference.

At Hiration, we support job seekers in building strong, standout brands, through AI-powered support that makes the process faster, easier, and more effective.

Start shaping your narrative today and let your brand speak before you do.