By Corey Daxon, President

Summer is here, bringing with it the promise of warm days, fresh opportunities, and new beginnings. For job seekers, this season is an excellent time to revamp and elevate your personal brand.

Whether you’re just entering the job market or seeking a career change, embracing the summer spirit can help you stand out. Here’s how to craft your personal brand with a summertime theme:

1. Reflect and Refresh

Summer offers a natural pause for reflection. Take advantage of this time to evaluate and refresh your personal brand:

• Self-Assessment: Identify your strengths, skills, and passions. What makes you unique? How do you want potential employers to perceive you?
• Update Your Materials: Revise your resume, LinkedIn profile, and personal website. Ensure they accurately reflect your current skills and experiences.

2. Embrace the Summer Aesthetic

Capture the essence of summer in your brand to create a vibrant and appealing image:

• Content: Share content that aligns with the season. Write blog posts about your summer activities, volunteer work, or professional development endeavours. Post photos and videos that showcase your summer experiences and how they contribute to your professional growth.
• Tone: Adopt a friendly, approachable tone in your communications. Summer is a time of relaxation and joy, so let that reflect in your emails, cover letters, and social media interactions.

3. Network in the Summer Sun

Summer is a social season, making it an ideal time to expand your network and build meaningful connections:

• Events: Attend summer networking events, job fairs, and industry conferences. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet professionals in your field and make a memorable impression.
• Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals you admire and request informational interviews. Many people have more flexible schedules in the summer, making it a great time to connect.
• Social Media Engagement: Engage with industry leaders and companies on social media. Comment on their posts, share relevant content, and participate in discussions. This will increase your visibility and demonstrate your interest and knowledge in the field.

4. Showcase Your Authentic Self

Authenticity is key to building a strong personal brand. Summer, with its emphasis on being genuine and carefree, is the perfect time to let your true self shine:

• Personal Stories: Share personal stories highlighting your journey, values, and achievements. Authentic storytelling builds trust and makes you more relatable to potential employers.
• Behind the Scenes: Show glimpses of your life outside of work. Whether it’s a hobby, a passion project, or a summer adventure, these insights humanize your brand and help employers see you as a well-rounded individual.

5. Plan for the Future

While enjoying the present, use the summer to plan and strategize for your career goals:

• Set Goals: Define clear, achievable career goals. Whether it’s landing a new job, gaining a specific skill, or expanding your network, having a roadmap will keep you focused and motivated.
• Skill Development: Take advantage of summer courses, workshops, and webinars to enhance your skills. Learning something new can boost your confidence and make your resume more impressive.
• Research and Apply: Research companies that align with your values and career aspirations. Tailor your applications to reflect your summer-inspired personal brand, emphasizing your enthusiasm and readiness for new challenges.

Crafting your personal brand is an ongoing process, and summer provides a unique opportunity to infuse it with energy, authenticity, and positivity.

By reflecting on your strengths, embracing the summer aesthetic, expanding your network, showcasing your true self, and planning for the future, you can create a personal brand that stands out to potential employers.

So, take advantage of the sunny days and let your personal brand shine brightly, opening doors to exciting career opportunities!