tools & tips
Since You Asked SIFE reached out to Simon Kho, Director of National Student Programs & Global Initiatives at KPMG, to answer today’s question. Send your questions to careerconnections@sife.org “Landing a great job has become more challenging than ever in these tough economic times. What can I do to help stand out from the crowd?” While the job market has shifted, there
are still great employers looking to hire top students to join their ranks. When KPMG recruiters go to campus, they are looking for candidates who have the confidence and presence to stand out from the crowd. If you want to set yourself apart, start by thinking about your personal brand. You can follow in the footsteps of companies who have some of the world’s most powerful corporate brands. Branding yourself is a good way to discover things that make you who you are, develop key messages about your strengths and abilities, and create an image that highlights everything you have to offer. Your brand tells others about you and what they can expect from you. To begin building your brand, ask yourself some basic questions. What do I really enjoy doing? What turns me off? What would my best friend say are my five best characteristics? What’s my greatest talent or best skill? What are the things that I want people to associate with me? Your goal is to learn what makes you different and uniquely attractive to employers. Next, develop a compelling message. Write down what you’ve learned about yourself, then take your discoveries and narrow them down to one or two unique, compelling and true messages. Try to
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list words that describe you, like “smart, analytical and warmhearted” or “creative, organized and a great communicator.” This brand message is what you’ll use to drive your verbal and nonverbal communications to employers. They are the words that will come to mind when you are presenting yourself or need a confidence boost. Finally, the brand works only when your image and actions support it. For example, if your brand includes being thorough, take extra care to make sure your emails are error free. Your brand is your reputation, so make sure you are creating one that presents you the way you want others to see and remember you. Consider the way you interact with others, how you dress at key events, and even what’s out on the internet. All of these things speak volumes about who
you are. Getting a strong, positive image in front of employers will get you noticed. Good luck with your job search! Simon Kho n You can learn more about personal branding by visiting KPMG’s website at www.KPMGcampus.com and checking out our new “Branding U” section.