The national news outlets have been touting an uptick in hiring over the past year and if you are beginning a new role with a new organization, it is time to consider to your personal brand. During the interview process, you may have communicated your brand to the search committee by use of stories and themes that you wove into your interview day. That was then and this is now… it is time to activate your brand within your new company.
Actions speak louder than words: When beginning your new job, your co-workers will evaluate you by your actions and not by your words. Instead of claiming to be a strong relationship builder, prove it by your actions. This tip is doubly important for those who will be in a supervisory role. Your employees will watch what you do, say, and how you handle yourself very closely. Be cognizant that you are building your brand with your colleagues each and every day by your actions – big or small.- Day one, square one: You have a clean slate when beginning a new job. No one knows your past mistakes or failures. On the flip side, no one knows your past successes or your work ethic. Your co-workers, clients, and bosses have no history with you and thus you need to be ready to prove yourself all over. This is time to build your brand again with your actions.
- Build intentionally: There are many skills and attributes you would like to convey to your new boss, co-workers, staff, and/or clients. Building your brand takes time. What attributes and skills would you like to build first? Is easy-going important for your staff to know on day one or would you rather them know you set high expectations for your teams. Building your brand takes time and cannot be accomplished in one day. When beginning a new role, consider which parts of your brand you wish to build first with your new staff.
Beginning a new job is an exciting chapter for your career. Be intentional on how you plan to establish your brand with your new colleagues. Before you know it, your brand that was communicated in the interview process will be backed by the brand your employer witnesses everyday through your actions.
Author:
Kevin Monahan is the Associate Director of the Notre Dame Career Center. In this role, he leads the center’s employer relations efforts in addition to coaching young professionals in career management and career change capacities. He combines career consulting services with employer outreach to help find opportunities for both constituencies. He is the author of the Career Seeker’s Guide blog.
