The Unedited Truth About Your ‘Personal Brand’

I am currently taking a course in college dedicated to Branding. One of our projects was to determine our own personal brand. This led me to the ever-typical question—what is my purpose?

Having my fair share of job interviews, I always get the question, “Can you describe yourself in three words?” Usually, I would tell potential employers what I thought they wanted to hear. I would say: I am hardworking, dedicated, and organized. Well, it turns out that is not what they want to hear.

From their perspective, they already know you are hardworking, dedicated, and organized or you wouldn’t be sitting in front of them in the first place. They clearly saw your experience on your resume, and know that you are academically fit for the position. What employers and others want to see is what you have to offer beyond the expected answers.

Your own personal brand is what makes you, YOU.

Sure you can be hardworking, dedicated, and organized, but there is always something behind those adjectives that got you there. For instance, are you the first person in your family to go to college and you feel the need to exceed all academic expectations to prove yourself? If you chose the word funny – is it because you are insecure and are trying to mask how you’re truly feeling?

No, I am not a psychologist or a therapist. I am a senior in college trying to figure out who I am and how I want to portray myself to the outside world. How do I impact others and what will they gain out of having me in their lives?

I invite you to explore your background, current situation, and where you would like to be in the future to determine your own brand. Personally, I am a senior in college studying communication and media production. I like to think that I am adventurous, creative, and optimistic. Some may say I’m a bit of a dreamer. I want to make others smile when they are around me and challenge them to open up their minds and try new things.

You will not always be the same person, you will grow and learn as you get older and experience more of life. Your brand is not just three words that an employer wants to hear or the type of clothing you wear.

Your brand is the actions you choose to take, the words you speak, and how others perceive you.

It is a combination of your experiences, your mistakes and your heartaches. It is a feeling you give others when you walk into a room.

Your brand is unique, it is personal, your brand is you.