Why your personal brand matters more than your resume

For many years, a resume was the main tool for getting a job. It lists education, skills, and work experience in a short format. Employers would look at it and decide who to call for an interview. But the way we look for jobs and build careers is changing. Today, a personal brand can be just as important, and sometimes more important, than a resume.

A personal brand is the image people have of you based on your work, behaviour, and presence both online and offline. It shows your values, skills, and personality. A resume is only seen when you apply for a job. Your personal brand is visible every day. It shapes how colleagues, employers, and even strangers think about you.

In the age of social media and online networking, recruiters do not just read a two-page document. They may check LinkedIn profiles, personal websites, social platforms, or even the type of articles and posts you share. If these reflect a consistent and professional image, you stand out before you even send your resume.

Khondaker Nowshin Nawar, a student of Development Studies at the University of Dhaka, understands this well. When asked how she tries to stand out beyond her grades and resume, she said, "I try to stand out by putting myself out there by talking to people, building connections, and making sure I communicate well. I'm curious, well-read, and well aware of the contemporary world, so I can find common ground with people and present myself in a way that aligns well with the situation and the audience. This approach has opened doors for me to work as a rapporteur, draft concept notes, take on research assistant roles, contribute to event planning, and collaborate on development projects."

For Nowshin, her personal brand is not just a label. It has directly led to opportunities.

"I'd say my personal brand is being really outgoing, easy to get along with, and someone who works well in a team. My communication skills and strong ECA (extra curricular activities) background have opened a lot of doors, from being part of a few development projects to landing my current job as an admissions consultant through LinkedIn. I like to take initiative, and being comfortable in interviews has definitely helped me make the most of opportunities."

Mahfuza Amir Ela, a sociology student at the University of Dhaka, sees personal branding as a way to build long-term professional value."When I hear the term 'personal branding', I think about the unique combination of skills, experiences, and personality that makes you who you are. It's how you manage your reputation so that people know your specific interests and what you're good at. It's not just about posting online or bragging about your experiences; it's about strategically building a social network so people understand what you do and can refer you to relevant opportunities. Think of it as creating an impression in people's minds so they immediately think of you when a specific need or project comes up."

She believes students should start early. "I think it's a great idea for students to start building their personal brand while they're still in university. By actively managing your personal brand, you're building a network of people who know your interests and skills. This can lead to valuable connections, internships, and even job offers. For example, if you consistently share your work in a specific field, people in that industry will start to recognise you and might refer you to opportunities you wouldn't have found otherwise."

Their experiences depict a growing trend. Skills and qualifications still matter, but employers now want to see how a person communicates, works with others, and takes initiative. Someone who engages in professional communities, shares ideas, and maintains a respectful and informed voice online is more likely to be remembered. Sometimes this even leads to opportunities without applying.

In Bangladesh, employers, whether local or multinational, often check a candidate's online presence before inviting them for interviews. Sending only a resume means competing with many others, but having a visible record of ideas and work in your field helps you stand out.

Personal branding is not about showing off. It is about sharing your skills and knowledge in a consistent way. An architect can post design ideas, short articles on trends, or photos of projects. Someone in education can share insights from their work or updates on research. Business professionals can post about market trends or describe solutions they have developed.

Young professionals can benefit most because they do not need decades of experience to be noticed. For example, a graduate aiming for digital marketing can start a blog or social media page with thoughts on branding, content strategies, or campaign analysis. This shows both interest and ability before entering the field.

Building a personal brand takes time. One does not need to post daily. One or two quality posts a month can still build a steady and credible image. A strong personal brand can lead to opportunities beyond regular applications, such as event invitations, project offers, or direct job approaches. Resumes remain necessary, but when your personal brand tells your story, the resume supports rather than defines your first impression.

In a fast-changing career market, this difference matters. Technology makes it easier to connect with others, but it also means competition is greater. Having a resume is necessary, but having a personal brand can decide whether you are one of many applicants or the person people think of first.

The writer is studying at the Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka.

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