Jena E. Abernathy

 

 

Graduation & Beyond: How to Brand Yourself & Protect Your Reputation

 

Springtime bloomed with pomp and circumstance as campuses across the country marked the culmination of years of education for millions of students - and the beginning of new careers. But no matter where you are on your career trajectory - entry-level, midlevel or C-suite-bound - there’s no time like the present to think about how you want to be perceived by those for and with whom you will work.

 

Earning a degree is a great first step toward building your brand as an intelligent, enthusiastic employee and knowledgeable go-getter intent on getting ahead. The same can be said for two-year degrees, certification programs, licensures and other continuing education programs that prove you’ve not only the desire to succeed, but also the wherewithal to make it. However, that fancy certificate with the calligraphy and the gold stamp isn’t enough to seal your fate as an employee with a stellar reputation. Building your brand goes well beyond that.

 

The truth is you’re never done building your brand. Everything you do, everything you say, everything you post - all of that goes into building your reputation. Everything you put up on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat and Twitter says something about you, speaking to the kind of person you are, what matters to you and what you’re made of.

 

Of course, once you post something on any social media platform, it’s out there forever. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that, for instance, a tweet once posted and then deleted is no longer out there. It is. Anyone can find anything that you’ve ever posted - and they will. In fact, more than half of employers report they review a candidate’s social media presence as part of the application process, according to The Hiring Site Blog on CareerBuilder.com. That photo you posted of your graduation bash? The one of you red-nosed, twerking and downing that shot of tequila? Potential employers can - and will - find that.

 

So how do you strike that balance of building your reputation online while protecting your brand? There are a number of ways to do so, whether you’re just starting your career or on your way to the C-suite:

 

• Manage Your Online Reputation: Make sure your brand is consistent across all your social media platforms. Spell your name the same way (e.g., using a middle initial, as in “Jena E. Abernathy” as opposed to “Jena Abernathy”) and make sure your title and affiliation are the same everywhere (e.g., don’t say “marketing assistant” in one place and “marketing associate” in another). Use a photograph that’s professional and personable but not too informal. Be consistent in how you present yourself, and pay attention to the details.

 

• Stick to Your Message: Before posting anything online, consider how that post might be received. In today’s world, people love to attack anything perceived as negative or insensitive, even if the original intent was innocuous. Be sure that everything you post reflects well on you and helps portray you in the best light possible.

 

• Use Social Media as a Tool: Social media can further your reputation as a thought-leader and subject matter expert. Use various platforms as vehicles to post interesting articles that are relevant to your field. Add insightful commentary to germane posts as a way to cement your reputation as an industry insider. Be strategic about what you post where.

 

The bottom line is you’re always building your reputation. Diplomas and certifications can go a long way to enhancing your brand, but it’s important to remember your reputation goes well beyond your education. It’s crucial to manage your online brand as your career progresses.