The University of Law Business School is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), and through this partnership we’re pleased to bring you a series of blog articles from the CMI on how to be the best business professional that you can be. We look forward to bringing you more great advice and insights from the CMI and our other Business School experts in the future, but for now...
Written by Editorial Team. Published 8 February 2018. Last updated 26 November 2021.
The University of Law Business School is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), and through this partnership we’re pleased to bring you a series of blog articles from the CMI on how to be the best business professional that you can be. We look forward to bringing you more great advice and insights from the CMI and our other Business School experts in the future, but for now...
In an age where brand is king, you need to make sure you have a distinct personal brand. There’s sure to be something every student can do to promote their profile, increase their impact and create a new buzz around their personal brand.
Not got a brand? Oh yes you do. Of course, your CV is the most obvious way in which you present brand “you”. You’ll have taken the time to fine-tune your language and your presentation to ensure it draws positive attention. But your conduct, dress, email signature and even your voicemail greeting combine to create a “brand experience” that communicates your personal values. So it’s time to take control of it. Here are some top tips from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) on what you can do to make sure you stand out while staying true to who you are.
Think inside-out
Is your signature style the same-old, same-old? Your look may not be important to you, but it matters to those who work around you, because you reflect on them if they promote or champion you. This is particularly important to consider when you are attending networking events and, of course, job interviews. Smart casual might be fine for a tech event, but a business or law fair might require someting a little smarter such as a shirt and tie. Make sure your visual presentation aligns with the story you want to tell about your professionalism.
Make your passion pay off
Are you passionate about your course, industry or sector, but unknown online? A strong LinkedIn profile can help students build a professional personal brand online. Keep your headline regularly updated to reflect your career aspiration. You can also write up a short reflection post about a recent lecture or industry news item. It also identifies you as someone with shrewd insights and lets you build relationships with people interested in your subject matter.
Watch your language
You can often make a large impact by making small changes to your language. Avoid downplaying your accomplishments, or using exaggerated language on your CV or in interviews. Using direct, clear language will get a better message across, and make your qualifications seem genuine.
Focus on wise words
How you communicate is obviously crucial, but it’s something many of us struggle with. Conversational language works best. So ditch the jargon and be WISE – warm, intelligent, sincere and enthusiastic – for the best chance to connect and make an impression. If you’re taking a CMI-backed course you can find tips on how to improve your personal brand on ManagementDirect.
Personal branding checklist
- Listen - Call your phone from a different number and listen to your voicemail greeting. Does it sound professional?
- Search - Google your own name in an incognito window. What is the very first impression the recruiter gets?
- Update - Change your email signature to include a clean font, your current degree program and hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio.
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