Elevate your personal brand for career success this New Year

The start of a new year is a perfect opportunity to refresh your professional profile to attract potential employers. Whether you’re actively job hunting, or looking to position yourself for future opportunities, one way to really stand out from the crown is to volunteer your expertise to organisations who greatly need your support. Volunteering also provides valuable skills and experience which will serve you well in your professional career – so it really is a two way street!

 Volunteering has many benefits:

Here’s our key takeaways to make sure your professional profile stands out

Quantify your achievements

Here’s our key takeaways to make sure your professional profile stands out. Employers value measurable results because they demonstrate the real world impact of your work. Be as specific as possible about your accomplishments. 

Replace vague statements like "Improved team effectiveness" with specifics such as "Implemented a new workflow system that increased team productivity by 20%."

Highlight extracurricular activities

Here are a few steps that will help you write a compelling CV:

Focus on keywords

• Go through job descriptions in your chosen field to identify frequently used terms.
• Tailor to the job - highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. Include keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS).
  
• On LinkedIn, add these keywords to your headline, summary, and skills section to enhance your visibility in recruiter searches.
  

Optimise sections for readability

• Stick to reverse chronological order for job experiences, focusing on your most recent and relevant roles. 
•  Use bullet points to summarise your responsibilities and accomplishments. 
•  Introduce clear section headings (e.g. Professional Experience, Certifications, Skills) to guide the reader through your CV.
  

Refresh and refine your profile picture & branding

• Use a high-quality headshot in which you’re dressed appropriately for your target industry. 
•  Smile and aim for a friendly demeanour to convey approachability.

Equally, consider adding a customised LinkedIn banner that represents your professional branding. A simple background featuring your industry tools or a tagline can set your profile apart positively.

Stay active throughout the year

• Add new projects, certifications, or roles as you complete them.
• Celebrate milestones, contributions, or skills acquired by sharing relevant updates with your LinkedIn network.
•  Stay active on LinkedIn - engaging with posts, commenting on industry discussions, or even writing original content, keeps your professional presence visible and top of mind.
• The new year is a time for setting goals and aligning your professional assets with your ambitions. Crafting a compelling CV and LinkedIn profile is one of the most crucial steps in paving your way to success.

Start your job search with Marks Sattin

At Marks Sattin, we specialise in placing professionals in finance, technology, transformation and legal roles.

Whether you're seeking your next challenge or looking for market intel, our team of experts are here to help you navigate the job market with confidence. This year, take charge of your professional journey not just by refining your CV and LinkedIn profile, but also by engaging in meaningful volunteering opportunities with Charterpath.