Building your personal brand: tips, tools, and strategies

In today’s competitive job market, your personal brand is your most valuable asset. It’s more than a CV or LinkedIn profile - it’s the story you tell, the reputation you build, and the value you offer. Whether you’re job hunting, aiming for promotion, or growing your network, building a strong personal brand can set you apart and open new opportunities.

Download our comprehensive guide, Build Your Personal Brand, for strategies to help you take control of your professional reputation.
 

What is a personal brand and why does it matter?

Your personal brand is how others perceive you - online and offline. It’s shaped by your values, skills, experience, and the way you communicate. A strong personal brand can:

• Differentiate you from other candidates
• Increase your visibility and credibility
• Attract job offers, clients, and professional connections
• Build trust and open doors to new opportunities
   

How do I start building my personal brand?

Key questions to ask yourself

• What are my core strengths and values?
• What makes me unique in my field?
• Who is my target audience or ideal employer?
• What story do I want to tell about my career journey?
• How do I want to be perceived by others?

Tip: Our step-by-step guide, Build Your Personal Brand, will help you to audit your online brand. 

Step-by-step guide to building your personal brand

1. Audit your online presence

• Google yourself - what comes up?
• Review your social media profiles for professionalism and consistency
• Remove or update anything that doesn’t reflect your best self

2. Define your brand message

• Craft a clear, concise value proposition (what you offer and why it matters)
• Align your CV, LinkedIn, and other profiles with this message

3. Optimise your LinkedIn profile

• Use a professional photo and headline
• Write a compelling summary with keywords relevant to your industry
• List your skills and seek endorsements
• Share and comment on industry-relevant content
• Join and participate in groups

4. Create and share content

• Post articles, insights, or achievements relevant to your field
• Contribute to blogs or industry forums
• Consider starting your own website or portfolio

5. Network intentionally

• Connect with professionals in your sector
• Personalise connection requests
• Attend industry events (virtual or in-person)

6. Protect your privacy

• Review privacy settings on all platforms
• Decide what’s public and what’s private
• Check your employer’s social media policy before posting about work

How can I make my brand stand out?

• Tell authentic stories about your experiences and achievements
• Use visuals (photos, videos, infographics) to showcase your personality and skills
• Be consistent in your messaging and activity across platforms
• Seek feedback from peers and mentors

Building your personal brand - FAQs

What is a personal brand, and why does it matter?

Your personal brand is the impression you leave on others - online and offline. It’s how you present your skills, values, and experience to employers, colleagues, and your wider network. A strong personal brand helps you stand out, build trust, and attract new opportunities.

How do I start building my personal brand from scratch?

Begin by identifying your strengths, values, and what makes you unique. Audit your online presence (especially LinkedIn), update your profiles, and make sure your messaging is consistent. Our free guide includes practical checklists to help you get started.

How do I use social media to build my brand?

• Share industry news and insights
• Engage with relevant groups and discussions
• Follow companies and thought leaders
• Keep your profiles up to date and professional

Should I separate my personal and professional online presence?

It’s a good idea to keep your professional and personal lives distinct online. Use LinkedIn for your career and networking, and review privacy settings on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Always check your employer’s social media policy before posting about work.

Download the full guide: Build Your Personal Brand

Ready to take your brand to the next level?

Download our in-depth guide, Build Your Personal Brand, for:

• Capitalising on opportunities. Are you making the most of your network of contacts?
• Demonstrating your strengths and skills. Do your posts demonstrate how you could add value to employers and recruiters?
• Engaging with LinkedIn groups. Do you get involved with relevant industry discussions? 
• Optimising your LinkedIn profile when job seeking. Are you using all of the functions available on your online profile?
• Separating your personal and professional brands. Are you clear on where you should draw the line on your professional social media?

Get started on your personal branding journey today!
 

Final tips for success

• Be authentic - let your true self shine through
• Stay consistent and update your profiles regularly
• Keep learning and adapting as your career evolves

Useful tools and further reading

• Use our free Salary Checker to see how your salary compares to others in your field and region.
• Search for jobs today, and discover thousands of live vacancies in your sector. 
• Find your nearest office and connect with a recruitment expert for tailored career support.