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Back in the days of the Wild West cowboys, a brand was a letter or a symbol or a combination of both that cowboys burned into the skin of livestock. Everyone who saw that brand would immediately know that the brand meant someone specific owned that particular animal. Today, if you want to stand out compared to others who are applying for the job that you want, you should do what cowboys do–focus on the brand.

This brand is for human beings, not cattle. You do not want this brand to be on your skin even if you think tattoos are fashionable.

Here is a basic definition of what a personal brand should be for you: The sum total of all that you, as an individual, use to make yourself distinctive in public compared to every other person.

Your personal brand needs to include all five of these essential elements:

#1–What you are like on the outside (your outward appearance versus your inner self)

#2–How well you communicate verbally and in writing in public

#3–What others perceive of your most dominant character trait (e.g., friendly, grumpy, warm, cold, reclusive, trustworthy, etc.)

#4–What it is about you that makes you unique compared to every other person

#5–What it is that you can do for others in your career that makes you unique compared to every other person

Start here for very valuable, step-by-step tips if you want to stand out with the best possible personal brand.

Share your comments and suggestions on the subjects presented in my online column at Ned’s Job of the Week site. Visit my website, GoulartOnline.com to read more of my commentaries and post your responses. I look forward to hearing from you today!

See the list of posts in the “Stand Out” series here at Ned’s JOTW site.