With so many bright people competing for the same positions, how you make your resume and qualifications come to life is essential if you hope to secure a desirable position? One way to do this is by creating a memorable, personal brand statement (PBS). A successful personal brand statement makes an emotional connection with the people they come into contact with. It makes them say things like – “WOW, “Interesting”, or simply, “I like him/her.” Your resume and cover letter is not going to have this kind of impact. Only YOU can – and you do this in the form of a story.  Stories are memorable. Stories create connections for people. A good story allows the person doing the hiring to clearly see the benefits of extending you an offer.

To begin, jot down a couple of adjectives that best describes who you are. For example, are you energetic, very organized, or maybe a team player? There are dozens of words to choose from. If you have a tough time being introspective and honest with yourself, ask your friends, co-workers, a boss or teacher.

Now think about a story that supports one or a combination of these words. The story should be no more than 1-3 minutes in length and should give an example of what the words you’ve chosen actually mean to you. For example, a college senior recently used the word resilient at one of my events. She described how she made over 750 phone calls, over a 6 month period, to arrange a family reunion where many relatives had not spoken to one another for decades. The result – more than 75 people reunited in Florida! Talk about not taking no for an answer (BTW – This story landed her a job.).

Some final thoughts…Companies are looking for people that exemplify: good communication and people skills, leadership skills, a positive attitude, a team player, and people who are adaptable and can handle unexpected challenges. Knowing this, do your best to build your personal brand story to satisfy these appetites. I’m not saying be phony or make up stories. Just make sure your PBS is relevant and transferable to the needs of the workplace.

Lastly, they don’t want to hear your, “life story”. Keep it simple and concise. Most importantly, practice, practice, practice. Your story should be said with confidence, passion, and a smile on your face!

Want more? Send an e-mail to events@jointap.com and bring Eric Barron, TAP’s president, to your institution for a 90 minute presentation on creating a memorable Personal Brand Story.

1) Do not present a resume or ask for a job in an informational interview. The purpose of your meeting should be to learn a company culture and network in your industry.

2) Arrive to the meeting prepared with thoughtful questions.

3) The informational interview is a relaxed setting to practice your answers to future interview questions (i.e. “tell me about yourself”). You should not feel as if you are in an interview or selling a product; however, this is an excellent opportunity to practice your personal brand story or pitch.

4) Follow-up is critical. Thank each contact for his/her time, information, advice. Thank-you letters should be sent via email; a hard copy should be sent through snail mail.

5) Each manager and/or executive should be updated on any progress in your career.

6) Keep good records of connections made, including dates and follow-up tasks. I personally keep a well organized, ongoing list in an excel file.

As a Generation Y, it is often difficult to know who to contact and what exchange is appropriate. I am signing up for alumni events, industry related associations and specific Meetup.com affairs.

Other personal habits I have acquired while networking are to 1) confirm meeting time and place the day before, 2) follow up with unique, outstanding stationary, 3) get a business card, and 4) remember to small talk. Small talk is an art; often when I am taking myself too seriously, I forget to ask my mentor personal details. Taking note of these personal details on the back of his/her business card is a great technique. Then when I follow up, I can ask about family, vacation, home, etc. Every little detail counts when creating lasting relationships.