Merito Group is a D.C.-based recruitment firm that helps candidates find the best placements to help them develop their careers. During the job search process, we also offer a variety of services to market yourself to employers, including building a personal brand.

Building an online persona for yourself is becoming more imperative than you may think. When you hear the word branding, you may think about it only in terms of a business and not as something you need personally. However, establishing a personal brand is very important and will help you advance down your career path.

First, let’s discuss what it is!

What is a Personal Brand?

Personal branding is all about creating a reputation that represents the sum total of your career and professional persona. It’s about who you are, what it is that you do, how you work, and where you are headed.

Like a consumer brand, a personal brand not only tells your story, it sets the stage for growth and will advance you towards your future career success. It goes beyond the basic resume to deliver a more complete picture of who you are professionally.

Why Do You Really Need a Personal Brand?

Here are just a few reasons why you need to develop your personal brand:

Employers Search Online to Investigate Their Candidates

There are scads of examples out there of qualified candidates applying for jobs and getting turned down simply because they ignored their online image. Almost 80% of employers “Google” job seekers before even inviting them into an interview. This is #1 reason why a personal brand is so important. Employers do, and will, search for you online.

Take Charge of Your Message

When potential employers search for you online, having a strong personal brand can ensure that what they find is what you want them to find. You can take charge and lead the way they perceive you and your image.

To continue reading ‘s expert advice about personal branding on Glassdoor, click here.