Add a personal branding statement to your resume today

Have you noticed how sample resumes on the internet have a catchy text block on the top, summarizing the unique value proposition of the job seeker? This is what we call a ‘personal branding statement.’ It is an excellent tool to grab the attention of any reader who comes across your resume in the job market. Your personal branding statement is an amazing resume element that can showcase your personality and your expertise at the same time.

So, what must you do to create a stunning personal branding statement for your resume?

First, identify your target audience

What you need to include in your personal branding statement will differ greatly depending on the kind of audience you are aiming at. If you are an independent contractor creating a resume to attract clients, your branding statement must mention your skills, the types of projects you have completed, and your successes. If you are a job seeker hoping to attract the right employer with your resume, your branding statement needs to highlight your unique skillset, experiences, and professional achievements.

Write a sketch

There’s no need to hop all the way over to your resume just yet. Once you have identified the target audience, you can start creating a sketch for your branding statement. If you want to gather your thoughts a little before you start writing, create a mind map. Write all the keywords, skills, experiences, and accomplishments that you think must go on your branding statement. Then, take a pencil and circle the ones of the highest priority. Once you have selected the phrases you want to mention in the statement, all there is left to do is to put it into a few sentences.

The placement of the branding statement matters

Writing a killer personal branding statement and placing it at the bottom of your resume is the biggest mistake you can make. Your branding statement carries the accomplishments that you are the proudest of in your career. They deserve to be displayed at the top of your resume. Place your personal branding statement at the very top of your resume, below your name and contact information. Normally, this is where your resume summary would go.

Make it the trailer video

Have you seen those captivating trailer videos Hollywood creates for its best movies? Your personal branding statement can be that for your resume. Treat your personal branding statement as the short trailer video that come before a great movie (the rest of your resume). Ensure that the branding statement captures the essence of your resume. You should also add plenty of keywords into your branding statement to help optimize your resume for the ATS. Also, try to keep it in between 2 and 4 lines. You don’t want the hiring manager to doze off in the middle of your half-page-long branding statement.

Your personal branding statement must align with the rest of the resume

Your personal branding statement does not add value to your resume if it is miles apart from the rest of the information you have mentioned on the document. For example, if you are a marketing professional, your resume and branding statement must emphasize your marketing skills. If you highlight only your management skills on the branding statement and dedicate the rest of your resume for marketing skills, your resume will appear not put together. It is a good idea to complete the rest of your resume before you start writing your branding statement.