5 Tips for Creating a Video Resume on YouTube

5 Tips for Creating a Video Resume on YouTube5 Tips for Creating a Video Resume on YouTube7Sure, you surf through YouTube to listen to Katy Perrys latest hit song- or to unwind and watch cute kitten videos. But if you havent already, you should be harnessing the immense power of YouTube in your efforts to find a telecommuting job. Here are five tips to promote yourself in the best light possible on YouTube- and land a job.Be professional.Creating a resume on paper requires a lot of time, thought- and stress. (You may even need to hire a professional resume writer to help you revamp your resume.) So having the freedom to express yourself in almost any way possible- such as singing and tap dancing about the workplace skills you possess- can be quite tempting. However, you still need to be professional when appearing before camera, so be sure to look, dress, and most importantly, act the part. Its a good idea to be dressed in a suit or other professional outfit and be well groomed, just as if you were sitting across from a prospective boss.Be informative. While you might be tempted to simply read off what youve already written on your resume, viewers of your video are going to want something more. So lets say that your area of expertise is in marketing. Do some research before you film your video to uncover some new information that fellow industry professionals- and headhunters alike- will find interesting. By offering extra content youre putting yourself ahead above the competition.Be appealing, but not overconfident. Filming a video resume means that you get to further expand upon all of your previous accomplishments and accolades. It does not mean, though, that you have just been awarded the Best Actor in a Motion Picture and are about to go on stage and deliver your acceptance speech. While its a good idea to be conversational in a video, be mindful of bragging. So list your accomplishments humbly- and let them speak for themselves.Be practical.When you final ly decided to create a video resume, you found one of the best cameras on the market to create the video. Thing is, it yielded a video file that is over 8 GB. Uploading a file of that size to YouTube (or even attempting to email it to a potential boss) will most certainly crash your computer- and his. If possible, use an HD camera for good quality video results and keep your video to under one minute. That way, the file size wont be too large in case you need to email it with other job applications.Be cool.Even if youve been working at nonprofits for most of your career, that doesnt mean you cant add a little style to your video. You can use basic video editing programs (such as Windows Movie Maker or even iMovie) to trim some parts of the video and also add special effects like fade outs, transitions, and title cards- all of which can bring your video from meh to memorable.Creating your own video resume is a cutting-edge way to find a job. It shows that you are keeping current with the times and also gives hiring managers the opportunity to access your video resume- and call you in for an interview.Readers, have you created a video resume? What would be some of your own tips for creating a video that works? Let us know in the comments section below

How to Sell Childrens Products

How to Sell Childrens ProductsHow to Sell Childrens ProductsEven during tough times, parents need to continue to purchase essentials for their babies and children, but they may cut back on non-essential items. If you want to start a business that caters to parent consumers, you should stay away from novelty baby items until the economy is stronger. If you are already in business and sales are slumping, consider changing your products or services to roll with the (hard) times. Sell What People Need Solid business ideas are timeless business ideas. They encompass product ideas that titelblatt need and/or constant demand. For children, this includes quality clothing, educational games, books, music, art projects, and books. Keep in mind, though, that what particular products are selling better at any given time may change with trends. Enrichment products, in general, are always popular among affluent parents. For babies, essentials are timeless diaper bags, burping pads, and crib be dding. These are things parents need and would ordinarily purchase for a new baby. Create a Gold Standard Novelty items may sell for a while, but consumer fads are unpredictable and canleid sustain a business long-term. Finding a niche and keeping up with trends is important, but even mora important is to have a gold standard product line built on slow and steady sales that will last the lifetime of your business. For example, think Lenox China. They set trends and have made a fortune on selling fads and novelties to the affluent (they even provide new china to the White House for every new president), but their gold standard of basic quality dinnerware has made Lenox one of the oldest and most profitable China businesses in the world. What Parents Are Buying When families are cash-poor, parents are more likely to invest in educational toys, books, games, and interactive toys than they are flash-in-the-pan toy items. Parents who are strapped for cash want to feel as though t hey have contributed something to the childs well-being, rather than just to their toy box. Family spending cuts have led to a decline in travel and going to movies, amusement parks, and dinners out. How can you fill this void? Do you have a game or service to help families spend more time together at home? To learn about other cultures or in some way emulate the experiences they are not getting through travel? In good times, purchases are often seen and felt like rewards. These purchase can feel like you deserve it. In tough times, purchases seem more like sacrifices, more along the lines of I really shouldnt. This is not an economy where you should be asking How can I sell a gimmick to parents? Instead, you should be asking yourself How can I convince the market that myproduct will add value to someones life? and Why should a parent not feel guilty spending money on my product when they cannot set aside college savings? If you can answer that question for parents in your advertisi ng and marketing campaigns, your sales are likely to pick up. Change in Product Liability Laws For the most part, product liability laws are governed at the state level, and your state may require you to obtain special permits and liability insurance to sell childrens products. However, recently, the US Supreme Court has ruled that federal law preempts state law. Before you start selling childrens items, be sure to read about the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act. The law, enacted in 2009, requires certain hand-made items intended for children under age 12 to be tested.

3 Easy New Years Resolutions You Can Keep - The Muse

3 Easy New Years Resolutions You Can Keep - The Muse3 Easy New Years Resolutions You Can KeepIn case you just woke up from a very long nap and missed it, a new year is officially here Everyone you know is making resolutions to work out more often, eat less fried foods, and find a job that pays them one billion dollars a year to do the exact thing they want to do. You probably roll your eyes every time you read a status along these lines, and when you do, I have a feeling it makes you think that making these resolutions is an exercise in futility. Im as much of a skeptic as the next person, but there are a few things I know you can achieve by the end of the year. 1. You Can Stop Thinking About Networking and Just Do ItHow many times have you bumped into someone you knew and said, Hey, this was great. Lets platzset up some more time to talk about what I want to do with the rest of my life, only to see three months go by before you even think about following up? Im not here to give you a hard time for ghosting anyone you intended to connect with. But at the same time, this is an ideal time to be more intentional about staying in touch with your network. If you meet with someone and feel the urge to say that youll reach out to set up some time, stop yourself and just schedule the meeting in that moment. If you cant commit to doing this, dont feel guilty about not throwing out the lets catch up line to close a conversation. Nobody will hold it against you for not offering to meet whenever you run into each other, I promise. 2. You Can Look For New Career Development OpportunitiesI get it- sometimes it feels like there are so many options out there to boost your career that its impossible to narrow them down and make any progress. But as daunting as it might seem, the truth is that simply looking at your options is a great way to kick-start some serious career growth. You can sit down and create a list of all the options out there- courses, books, career coaches. And you can just pick one and follow through. Whether that requires you to create calendar events for yourself (with annoying reminders) to keep at it, leave Post-it notes around your place, or have a friend text you every week checking in- get started by surrounding yourself with as much encouragement as you need to make this one thing happen. Sure, you might find hundreds of classes and thousands of books that arent relevant to what you want to accomplish this year. But when you find the one thing that inspires you to dig a little deeper, youll be amazed by how motivated youll be to keep going. 3. You Can Take a Hard Look at How You Feel About Your Current JobYou might like your job right now. In fact, if youre lucky, you might really like it. But there will come a time when you like it a little bit less, and a little bit less, and a little bit less- until one day you wake up and want to quit. Avoid that feeling of How the heck did I get here? by setting regular checkpoints for yours elf throughout the year (and creating actual events on your calendar thatll pop and and remind you). On each of these days, ask yourself the following questionsWas I happy to come into the office this week? Have I done anything recently that Im proud of? Does my current path still fit my long-term goals? As long as you can keep answering yes, keep on cruising. But the first time you have to pause and think for a second, its time to have a heart-to-heart with yourself on what you want your next step to be (whether thats addressing a problem or starting to make small moves).If you want to set some lofty goals for your career this year, Im not going to stop you. But theres nothing wrong with going easy on yourself and setting a few achievable resolutions. Remember If you run into any roadblocks along the way, try not to let it get you too down for too long. The beauty of these options is that theyre ongoing and its hard to fall behind.

How to Become an Art Director

How to Become an Art DirectorHow to Become an Art DirectorAn species director oversees the species,the photographs, the graphics and the drawn images that appear in newspapers, magazines, ad campaigns, and on book covers. Generally, the art director is the person who oversees the entire konzept department, working with photo editors and editors to coordinate how images will match up with the copy.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2017, art directors make $92.500 a year and the job outlook between 2016 and 2026 is expected to grow by 5 percent. mora than simply assigning a photographer or illustrator to create an image, an art director actually works on creating the visual concept. For example, at a magazine, an art director would work to create the specific look and feel of the entire magazine- ensuring that the visuals have a unified look throughout. If youve ever noticed that certain magazines use certain layouts and certain types of images, youre looking at th e work of the art director. Where Art Directors Work Art directors work in various fields of the media and communications industry such as advertising, book publishing, and at magazines. They usually specialize in one sector of the industry. For example, they may focus on magazine publishing and then specialize in a subset of that industry such as fashion magazines or home design magazines. If working at a magazine, the art director will conceive the layouts and decide how the art should match up with the various stories in the magazine. Book publishing art directors, on the other hand, often focus solely on book covers and hire designers to create the covers while overseeing their work. At some publishing houses, however, the art director may also do some of the designing. An art director at an ad agency will work with an editor, or a copywriter, to create the images that go with an ad campaign. Most art directors specialize in a specific area, such as print (e.g., magazines), television, or digital ads for the web. How to Become an Art Director Most art directors have degrees from art schools where theyve studied graphic design, photography, and drawing. A background in graphic design is essential for most art director jobs today. Those who want to get into the field will need to be adept at such programs as Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and other similar design software. These programs allow art directors to edit photos and create graphics. Most art directors and designers favor Apple computers, which were originally designed and marketed to graphic designers. A good art school will train students in all of the relevant programs theyll need to succeed and provide themwith a portfolio- which is crucial for landing a job in the industry. Someone looking to work as an art director in an ad agency, for example, needs to show a potential employer sample ad campaigns that she or he has created. These will come from your art school as well as any inte rnships you completed. Education and Training for Art Directors Given the competition for art director positions, most require at least a bachelors degree in design or graphic arts. For those planning to go into advertising, a concentration or minor in that subject is recommended. A variety of work samples showing versatility is required, and most art directors spend some time in junior positions (such as designer or assistant art director) to acquire related experience. Ad agencies usually ask for at least three years experience.

A Secret Weapon for Technical Skills on Resume

A Secret Weapon for Technical Skills on Resume If needed, the capability to delegate assignments to others when needed is a component of it. Each word on your resume can be a trigger for a question via an interviewer, and youll frequently be requested to provide examples of the skills which you have referenced. Read through it a couple of occasions and youll probably spot three or four crucial skills mentioned repeatedly throughout the document. All you should land an interview is an excellent set of skills. The Good, the Bad and Technical Skills on Resume There is an extensive selection of unique varieties of technical skills. No, you dont need to call or schmelzglas the business. You have to be familiarized with and proficient in the usage of unique technologies if you wish to land an excellent job. Even though in the event you own a lot of technical wisdom and knowledge on your subject, if you lack communication skills then its going to be very difficult for you to reali ze higher positions in your business. The New Fuss About Technical Skills on Resume Technical Writing Many jobs that involve written communication ask that you explain complex things in a means that is simple to comprehend. Technical skills are either something youve got or you dont, but theyre always something which you are able to learn. They are important for a number of reasons. Required technical skills are occasionally found on the work description. Dont forget, your resumes job is to secure you an interview. 3 First, you should select the best skills for your resume. Technical job skills play a critical function in getting hired. Job Specific Skills There are lots of skills which are job dependent. As you proceed through the list of skills above, make a distinct list with the skills which you already possess. Wherever you opt to place your skills on your resume, be certain to tailor your list of skills to the specific job. There are plenty of steps which you can t ake to increase your technical skills. Bear in mind, the majority of the exceptional skills that you place on your resume needs to be job-related skills taken from the work description and your best transferable skills. The skills section of your resume shows employers youve got the abilities needed to be successful in the part. There are various kinds of technical skills. Before you jump into writing down all of the wonderful talents youve got, lets learn somewhat more about what skills employers typically search for on a resume and see whether you are able to incorporate any in your skills section. If youve got sought-after technical knowledge and techniques common in your industry, you are going to be a more competitive candidate. The Importance of Technical Skills on Resume Nurturing your inner wellspring of creativity will allow you to tackle challenging issues. In some instances, soft skills cannot be taught. Developing analytical skills wont just offer you a leg up at work they can help you become a better problem solver in many diverse places on your life. Becoming in a position to effectively coordinate resources, people and budgets as a project manager is among the most effective technical skills that you may have. Dont say youve advanced Excel skills as that will mean unique things to various men and women. At times, projects are sidelined by easy, small troubles which were permitted to snowball into catastrophic monstrosities. Make sure that you have a minumum of one example for a time you demonstrated every one of the top five skills listed here. Top Technical Skills on Resume Choices Irrespective of where you include your skills section on your resume, you can be confident that the hiring manager is likely to find it and definitely likely to ask about doing it. Even when you arent actively searching for employment, your resume is a significant bit of your digital portfolio. So youre on the work market and youre certain that youre a superb candidate for the job which you would like. The Technical Skills on Resume Pitfall Getting honest and detailed about your understanding of Excel will help you stay away from that scenario. Knowing which skills you will need to break into analytics and begin working with data is crucial to advancing your data analytics career. As an accounting, your technical skills can consist of proficiency with assorted accounting tools including Oracle, or understanding of ERP systems and auditing tools. For instance, programming languages you are going to need for assorted tech jobs could vary or include a number of different languages. The Argument About Technical Skills on Resume If youre just beginning, you might want to place a larger emphasis on education and internships. Depending on the industry youre in, you might need to possess technical skills that range from project management and data technology to data analysis and management. Technical skills turn you into a val uable commodity for potential employers and has to be suitably highlighted to demonstrate your worth. It is possible to create separate section entitled technical skills where you might incorporate the exposure to several tools and computer programs. When some businesses can offer on-the-job training, others might need to employ a seasoned chef who will only have to be trained on new recipes. The capability to communicate with clients and gruppe members is important. Show the employer you have the skills the business requirements. There are particular customer service skills which each employee must master if theyre forward-facing with customers. Since many job seekers may list skills in another section of their resume, in addition, it is important to weave them into descriptions under every one of your prior positions. Take your career seriously and do what it requires to find the work done. For more specific technical jobs based on a specific skill, it is significantly sim pler to demonstrate. Some people believe listing outdated skills makes them look seasoned, but nonetheless, it typically makes the work seeker appear they dont understand the job and theyre not relevant.

What Are the 4 Cs of Resume Writing Exposed

What Are the 4 Cs of Resume Writing Exposed Some employers will request that you submit samples of your writing as part of your application. Whatever writing sample you decide to submit should represent your very best writing. Have you ever done what the work description represents is crucial. 11 Another one on the list is a completely free student resume template made by Paul Jansen. Guarantee that the content explains who you are, what it is possible to provide the organization and your career objectives. The writer is likely to make contact and start to work with you straight away Expert Stay away from the term expert, if you dont truly are, states Bensusen. 1 special feature given by Resume Writers Service is that if youre a returning customer, you can secure any services for half off the normal price. Professional resume writers comprehend the significance of their work, so they are always accountable for the ideal result. The reviewer would like to realize your pr oblem solving skills. Irrespective of how youre a fresher or a seasoned professional sooner or later or the other you surely require a good, well-written resume which portrays you well. In addition, dont neglect to tell everyone you know who youre vorstellungsgesprching with or who youd like to interview with, odds are they know someone in the organization By offering you the very best opportunity to start you career off well, we hope to be in a position to work together with you on a continuing basis as you seek progression via your career. A work search is a tough procedure, so candidates need professional and timely aid. There are many beautiful things around.

Job Search Networking 101

Job Search Networking 101Job Search Networking 101Youve probably heard that job search networking is responsible for over 80% of all hires in the United States.That means, even with a perfect resume, applying for jobs online is elend likely to do the trick.Job search networking is a highly effective solution. While this is rarely disputed, many job seekers still fail to take this approach seriously.Reasons people fail to networkThere are a variety of reasons why people fail to network for a job. For the sake of this article, we will focus on the three most common reasonsYou dont know where to startYou feel embarrassed/pridefulYou dont have an extensive networkHow to begin networking for a jobIf you have bought into the idea that networking is the most effective way to secure a new job, you are on the right track. The attitude you have while networking for a job is also very important. Networking to find a job can be done in a variety of ways.Get in touch with old colleagues or manage rsUtilize the worlds largest networking site (LinkedIn)Attend local networking eventsReach out to family or friendsAll of the above options are proven networking strategies that have provided significant results for millions of job seekers. Utilizing your network for a job will prove to be quicker, less expensive, and more efficient than anything else. Now, there is no guarantee that your network will be able to help. But, with the odds in your favor (80% of jobs are filled through networking) it makes sense to start with the above strategies, before spending any time on job boards.Dont feel embarrassed and pridefulJust the other day, I had a call with a potential client of mine. Lets call him, Bill. Bill mentioned that he was looking for a job and that his ideal company would be in the automotive space.He then went on to mention that his former manager had moved on to run a very successful automotive company. This manager had seen Bills work ethic and had always appreciated him as an employee. I wish I could tell you that Bill utilized job search networking by contacting his former manager and receiving an offer. But, he didnt. Bill was too embarrassed and his pride got in the way.Bill continued to search for a job for almost nine months before receiving another offer. To think, Bill could have saved nine months of tiresome, stressful, and time-intensive work if he would have used networking to find a job.Top places to network for jobsSo, maybe you just dont have a large enough network to find a job. No worries While its always ideal to have an existing network, there are a plethora of networking tools at your fingertips if you dont.LinkedInLinkedIn has grown to become the worlds largest professional networking site with over 500,000,000 members across the globe. Job search networking on LinkedIn has become so easy, you dont even need to leave the comfort of your home.Local networking eventsIf you prefer to get out of the house and meet people, then ask aroun d or check online for local networking events. If you live in an even slightly populated city, chances are there are a variety of networking groups that you can join. Best of all, the majority of these networking groups are free or cost very little to join.Job fairsJob fairs are an excellent way to network with potential future employers. Instead of submitting your resume to a black hole online, attend job fairs to receive quality face time. Meeting someone in person is much more likely to leave a lasting impression than meeting virtually. Make sure to bring a few copies of your resume, dress to impress, and figure out how to stand out from the competition.10 Tips to Utilize Your Job Search NetworkCheck out these top 10 tips to utilize your job search network and get hiredDont be embarrassed.Dont be shy.Dont be prideful.Dont limit yourself to just close friends.Understand its ok to ask occasional favors.Put in the work. Nobody is dying to help you if you dont ask.Use LinkedIn to con tact former colleagues or managers.Stay positive/optimistic.Dont burn bridges you never know who can help someday.Remain active. Dont send two messages and quit.Its not a lack of networking options that keeps someone from utilizing their network. Sometimes, the biggest hindrance to your job search is getting out of your head. The longer you wait to utilize your network when applying to jobs, the more time you are wasting on statistically ineffective strategies. Work smarter, not harder. Always remember to utilize your network for a job before anything else.

Most Common Jobs Posted Online

Most Common Jobs Posted OnlineMost Common Jobs Posted OnlineMost Common Jobs Posted Onlineur Intelligence team analyzed data from the CEB TalentNeuron tool to identify the 50 most common jobs that have been recruited across the US in 2016. The list includes jobs from all fields in all locations and includes the top 10 most common jobs among the following job fieldsEngineering, Finance, Healthcare, Hospitality, Technology, and Transportation50 Most Common Jobs in the USHeavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck DriversRegistered NursesFirst-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales WorkersRetail SalespersonsSoftware Developers, ApplicationsCustomer Service RepresentativesMarketing ManagersFirst-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving WorkersFirst-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative untersttzung WorkersComputer User Support SpecialistsComputer Systems AnalystsNetwork and Computer Systems AdministratorsWeb DevelopersManagement AnalystsMedical and Health Services ManagersAccountantsInform ation Technology Project ManagersSales ManagersIndustrial EngineersExecutive Secretaries and Executive Administrative AssistantsSales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific ProductsMaintenance and Repair Workers, GeneralSocial and Human Service AssistantsEntrepreneurs Wanted Business OpportunitiesFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating WorkersNursing AssistantsCombined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast FoodLicensed Practical and Licensed Vocational NursesGeneral and Operations ManagersBookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing ClerksManagers, All OtherFinancial Managers, Branch or DepartmentInsurance Sales AgentsSales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific ProductsSales Representatives, Services, All OtherSales Agents, Financial ServicesCritical Care NursesCashiersComputer Systems Engineers/ArchitectsMarket Research Analysts and Marketing SpecialistsPhysical TherapistsMedical AssistantsF irst-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales WorkersSoftware Quality Assurance Engineers and TestersFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and RepairersInformation Security AnalystsMedical SecretariesLaborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, flosseSecurity GuardsFamily and General PractitionersBelow, we also listed the 10 most common jobs in these fields Engineering, Finance, Healthcare, Hospitality, Technology, and TransportationTop 10 Most Common JobsEngineeringIndustrial EngineersMechanical EngineersElectrical EngineersCivil EngineersArchitectural and Engineering ManagersElectronics Engineers, Except ComputerElectronics Engineering TechniciansIndustrial Engineering TechniciansIndustrial Safety and Health EngineersAerospace EngineersFinanceManagement AnalystsAccountantsFinancial Managers, Branch or DepartmentSales Agents, Financial ServicesLoan OfficersAuditorsFinancial AnalystsTreasurers and ControllersInsurance Adjusters, Examiners, and InvestigatorsPersonal Finan cial AdvisorsHealthcareRegistered NursesMedical and Health Services ManagersNursing AssistantsLicensed Practical and Licensed Vocational NursesCritical Care NursesPhysical TherapistsMedical AssistantsMedical SecretariesFamily and General PractitionersMedical Scientists, Except EpidemiologistsHospitalityFirst-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving WorkersCombined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast FoodFood Service ManagersMaids and Housekeeping CleanersJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping CleanersCooks, RestaurantWaiters and WaitressesHotel, Motel, and Resort Desk ClerksFood Preparation WorkersDishwashersTechnologySoftware Developers, ApplicationsComputer User Support SpecialistsComputer Systems AnalystsNetwork and Computer Systems AdministratorsWeb DevelopersInformation Technology Project ManagersComputer Systems Engineers/ArchitectsSoftware Quality Assurance Engineers and TestersInformation Security AnalystsComputer ProgrammersTransportat ionHeavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck DriversLaborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, HandFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle OperatorsLight Truck or Delivery Services DriversDriver/Sales WorkersPurchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm ProductsOperations Research AnalystsPurchasing ManagersIndustrial Truck and Tractor OperatorsLogisticiansFindings are based on analysis of more than 52 mio available online jobs reported by the TalentNeuron tool from January through July 2016.Interested in learning more from Intelligence? Check out our lateststudies here.

No, you dont need a personal brand

No, you dont need a partal brandNo, you dont need a personal brandWhen it comes to career lingo, no phrase has gotten mora buzz over the past several years than personal branding, an all-encompassing self-empowerment term thats increasingly harder to define. And while it may seem vague, the topic of personal branding has launched what feels like a billion articles, workshops, keynotes and more as professionals try to figure out what it means to them.Your personal branding is your identity, says Erica Breuer, a personal branding and marketing strategist behind Cake Resumes. Its who you are, why you do what you do. But its a matter of communicating who you are in a way that stands out and delivers value. Until you go about this in a strategic way, its just this casserole of stuff orbiting you. Most importantly, branding, Breuer argues, is about making yourself appealing to a specific subset of people, not necessarily everyone.Why is personal branding important, especially in the 21st c entury? As any person today knows, theres a smorgasbord of different ways to reach others. Weve got all of these ways of communicating, and unless youve got a solid message, theres no way to make sure youre communicating yourself effectively across these different platforms, Breuer explains.Alyssa Gelbard, founder and president of Resume Strategists, also says that this doesnt just go for social media posting or your personal website. Its includes, for instance, your business cards, your email signature, your headshot, your wardrobe and how to interact with people. Effective branding, Gelbard explains, can lead to more opportunities both in terms of finding employment and moving up on the job.The downside of personal brandingHowever, not everyone feels so rosy about what personal branding is doing for people or the job market. Ilana Gershon, a professor of anthropology at the University of Indiana, Bloomington wrote a book called Down and Out in the New Economy How People Find (Or D ont Find) Work Today that asserts that personal branding doesnt actually increase a job seekers chances of landing a position. Instead, its a trend within a larger problem where people in the workforce are products and branding is a tool that marketers use to make people believe they can control their fates in an uncertain job market. People, she says, have turned themselves into mini-businesses, dehumanizing the market.But unlike Gershons assertion that personal branding and advertising oneself like a business is a radical transformation as to how people look at their employment, both Breuer and Gelbard argue that personal branding isnt a new-fangled idea only its name and connotations have changed over time.To them, branding in decades past was called marketing yourself, and it typically included attending classes or lectures on dress, etiquette, public speaking and other in-person interactions many professionals dealt with. The big shift, they both say, is that people now have to consider their real-life and digital personas and think about how to make those selves give off the same impression.Is there any validity to Gershons more cynical look at the world of personal branding? And does it even matter whether or not personal branding is good or bad?Not right for everyoneBreuer says that Gershons assessment makes a great point Personal branding can go too far to where it stops being about putting ones best foot forward and instead trying to be something inauthentic or overdone. There are some branding services or levels of branding that might not be appropriate for where everyone is in their career, Breuer notes.For instance, theres a big difference between a young person starting a career in digital media and someone older working in local government for 30 years theyre trying to reach different markets, and digital branding wont do anything for the latter when most of those interactions are in-person.Gelbard also says its not about promoting yourself eve rywhere or in every instance but instead thinking about how people perceive you over several months and years. Having a good reputation is important, she explains.Whats the biggest takeaway from the personal branding debate? It cant hurt to think about the impression you give off professionally, but its a long-term commitment. Like anything else in the workforce, your professional persona is built over time, not by a short deadline.You shouldnt be thinking about your personal brand only when youre looking for a job, Gelbard concludes. You should optimally be thinking about it when youre not.