How Best to Stand Out and Build Your Brand in Job Searches

NEW YORK, July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With a weak job market and millions of applicants looking for work, now is an important time to brand "yourself" and stand out in job searches. According to experts at Imprint Plus, leading manufacturer of personal branding and identification systems, one of the key factors in presenting yourself to potential employers is through a well-written resume.  Experience and qualifications should dictate the length of a resume in generally 1-2 typewritten pages, but never shorten the resume by leaving off pertinent experience.  The preferred business typeface is Times New Roman in 11 or 12 point font size with margins set at one inch on all four sides.  After the heading and contact information, always lead with your greatest strengths and present a "snapshot" of your skills, qualifications and achievements.  Keep the resume brief, concise and to the point.  Make sure it is free of grammatical and typographical errors.

In addition to presenting a great resume, job applicants should create an account at LinkedIn.com with a complete profile.  Recruiters often use LinkedIn to search for candidates.  It also helps to keep in touch with former colleagues and other professionals, who may have some job leads to share.  Be sure to attend job fairs and networking conferences to seek out job opportunities and learn about companies and their hiring practices. When attending networking or group meetings – name badges are very important. They make it possible for people to learn your name and remember you, and therefore increase the likelihood that you will make a lasting impression and connection.  When wearing a name badge, make sure it is readable and placed on the right shoulder area so that when shaking hands, the person's eyes will follow the right arm to the name badge, making it easier to notice.

"A name badge is like a business card or resume and should be part of the entire business persona, particularly in group settings where it is easy to forget someone's name," said Marla Kott, Imprint Plus CEO.  "It is critical to be identifiable in the networking and job advancement arenas in order to effectively stand out and present your personal brand." 

In advance of an interview, be sure to conduct research on the company and obtain as much information about the position as possible.  Dress professionally -- women should wear two-piece dress or skirt ensembles and men should wear a suit complete with jacket and tie.  In face to face meetings, be a good listener and assume an active listening posture by leaning slightly forward and maintaining good eye contact.  If you aren't sure of a question, rephrase it to be sure to answer correctly.  In addition to discussing the job and your qualifications, include some personal information about yourself, such as being a sports team captain in college showing that you have group leadership skills, or a musician to show your creative side. Always send a follow-up thank you note stating your interest in the job and repeating why your experience and qualifications are a good fit for the position and company.

In a recent nationwide survey conducted by Imprint Plus on the importance of personal branding and wearing a name badge to help one to "stand out" in job searches, seventy-five percent of the total respondents said wearing a name tag was very important, with higher percentages reported across the 18-54 year old demographic. When asked if wearing a name badge helps to personally brand oneself at meetings, conferences or networking events, 77% of the total respondents answered favorably, and 89% responded yes in the 35-44 year old demographic range.

Imprint Plus, maker of name badge systems for over thirty years, is citing an increase in name badge use by individuals and small businesses. Rather than sticking on a plain paper label or pinning on a plastic name badge, people are choosing sleek, impressive-looking metallic name badges that showcase the wearer professionally, without falling off or damaging clothing.

Imprint Plus manufactures an assortment of name badge and systems that range from customized company name badge systems; to The Mighty Badge Kit, perfect for the small to mid-size businesses with 10+ employees; to YouWho name badges in two- and four-unit kits, starting at $25. For information on name badges, visit www.imprintplus.com, www.themightybadge.com, or  www.youwhobadges.com.

SOURCE Imprint Plus