Professional Branding - What is it?

Everyone has a professional brand. What's yours?

Quick thinking - what comes to mind with these brands: Nike, Oprah, Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson? Their commercials? Their market share and value? Now, what comes to mind when you think about your manager and your peers at work? Why do some people get promoted more quickly and have an easier time finding a new opportunity than others who have a similar skill set? The answer - the value of their professional brand is easily recognized. Every one of us has a professional brand or a professional reputation. When you are searching for a new opportunity or applying for a promotion, your boss or potential boss makes decisions based on his or her evaluation of your professional brand. What is your brand and how do you increase its value in the market? A better brand = more job offers and higher compensation.

Everyone knows that the Harley-Davidson brand carries prestige and high value - but did you know that wasn't always the case? Spend a few minutes reading about the turnaround of Harley-Davidson and you'll see how improving your own professional brand can have both a significant short-term and long-term impact on your career. Call us today. We will guide you through increasing the value of your professional brand and will put your career on a path to reach new heights. Your career will thank you!

Copyright PARADIGM 2009

Tips for Standing Out in the Crowd

Your choice - Stand Out or Get Passed Over.

If you are positioning yourself for a promotion or a career move, you MUST stand out from the crowd. Employers are receiving 400% more resumes than they were a few years ago. Here are a few tips to help you "Stand Above Your Competitors"....

• Have a perfected resume and cover letter that has been professionally reviewed and/or written. Ensure that both documents display and maximize your professional accomplishments and value.
  
• Take a professional portfolio to all interviews and networking events.
  
• Get your resume into the hands of the decision makers. Work with an Agent such as PARADIGM who has a network that you can access.
  
• Ensure your online presence is professional.
  
• Perfect your interview answers and skills through hours of practice and mock interviews. Interview skills are the #1 factor that separates those who receive first interviews and offers. If you are not getting to the final interview for every position you apply, it could be due to one small answer that we can help you identify.
  

PARADIGM can ensure you Stand Above Your Competitors and get your professional portfolio into the hands of decision makers. A perfected professional portfolio = more interviews. Better interview skills = more offers with better companies and higher compensation. Our goal is your success - call us today to get started!

Copyright PARADIGM 2009

Beating Job Search Stress

Keeping a positive attitude during your job search is one of the most influential factors on your success. It is easy to become frustrated and down with the current economic situation, unemployment rate soaring, and companies laying off employees. Whether you are making a voluntary job move or have been unemployed for several months, you must remain positive. Managing your stress and creating a positive influence will give you a positive outlook.

 

Use these tips to reduce your job search stress and boost your positive vibes.

• Spend time improving your marketable skills. Improve your software skills, begin classes towards a higher degree, learn a foreign language, or obtain a certification. In addition to giving you that sense of accomplishment, you will have increased confidence and an additional selling point to discuss in your job search interviews. Prospective employers love tangible ambition.
• Commit to being the best you. After all, you are marketing yourself in this job search. Just as companies focus on improving their product before an important demonstration, use your job search as a time to focus on YOU. Be your best you.
• Channel positive thinking. Reflect on your accomplishments, your family and friends, and how fortunate you are to be YOU. Meditation, yoga, and active positive thinking are proven to increase personal and professional success, even if you are typically skeptical of motivational methods. Try something new.
• Eat healthy. How we feel truly is reflective of what we eat. It is common for stressed job seekers to eat more fast food or unhealthy food. Begin eating healthier and it will have a positive affect on your skin, confidence, how you physically feel, etc. 
• Begin a workout routine. If you do not typically exercise, start with something small like walking or jogging for 15 minutes at least three times per week. From there, you can increase your routine accordingly. Before long, you will notice an increase in your confidence and a significant reduction in your stress.

Contact us today for a full list of Telephone Tips!  There are more where these came from!

Copyright PARADIGM 2009

Expand Your Network = Increase It's Value

Professional and Social Networking
Everyone has a network - friends, family, colleagues, and contacts we meet through professional organizations.  How big and how valuable is your network?  Whether you are currently searching for a new job or are content in your current position, expanding your network should always remain a priority.  Outside of your current employer, you should attend at least one professional networking event each month. If you are searching for a new opportunity, you should attend at least two events.  These events allow you to make connections, learn about potential job opportunities, and perfect your interviewing skills.  The more effectively you can promote your professional brand and value, the better opportunity and higher salary you will command in the market. Remember - people hire and refer those whom they know and trust before publicly advertising a job opportunity or interviewing strangers. Stay connected with your professional network and you'll be poised to interview for a position before the masses hear about the opportunity on a job board or website.     

PARADIGM Career Solutions can help you significantly increase your network by allowing you access to ours.  We provide our clients with direct access to hiring managers throughout DFW.  Contact us today to learn more about how we can boost your career and expand your network. 

Copyright PARADIGM 2009

Stacey J. Relton
President
PARADIGM Career Solutions

5944 Luther Lane Ste 601
Dallas, TX 75225
Telephone: 214-265-7676
Email: Stacey@paradigmcareersolutions.com
Website: www.paradigmcareersolutions.com

Your job search...Redefined!