Personal brand: Crafting HR career success

Having a strong personal brand is important for a successful HR career. It’s the key to standing out. building credibility and making a lasting impression. As entrepreneur and best-selling author Chris Ducker put it, "Your personal brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room."

In this article, we capture insights shared at a recent panel discussion hosted by The Next Step and featuring experts from diverse professional backgrounds such as The Iconic, Taronga Zoo, a2 Milk and Boral. We help you explore the critical elements of crafting a personal brand and better understand how it relates to achieving success in your Human Resources or Health and Safety career.

Take a planned approach

Your personal brand is closely tied to the narrative you create for yourself. It's vital to maintain a positive self-image and the right mindset throughout your career. Curate your brand from day 1. Colleagues, managers and others in the industry will be watching with interest.

The power of self-awareness and continuous improvement cannot be underestimated. If you don’t spend time shaping the right narrative for yourself, others might step in and shape it for you. Don’t leave your career up to fate. Think about where you what to end up, and map out key steps, experience or milestones that might help you get there.

Be comfortable being ‘you’

Identify what motivates you in order to move forward in your career. Passion will fuel dedication and enthusiasm, becoming integral to your personal brand.

Reflect on your ‘uniqueness’. Recognise what makes you special. Don't underestimate your natural talents, or what you can achieve.”

Boral’s Executive GM People & Culture, Sam Toppenberg believes authenticity is the key. “Be yourself, don’t try to be anyone else. Work out what you’re really good at and focus on those things,” she said at a recent career development event held by The Next Step.

A2 Milk’s Chief People and Culture Officer, Amanda Hart, supports the notion of staying true to yourself at work, but also highlights the importance of tailoring a message to your audience. “Work on your mental agility and ability to flex. Know when and how to deliver a message,” she says.

Seek and embrace feedback

Seek and embrace input from others, even when it's not entirely positive, and use this as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth.

Being kind to yourself is also key. “We all make mistakes, it’s what you learn from them that matters”, says Taronga Zoo’s Stuart Marshall, Divisional Director, People, Culture & Safety. He recommends stepping back from the initial sting a criticism can create, look for truth in what’s been said and step into action.

The Iconic’s Chief of People and Culture Vesna Garnett agrees that while nobody enjoys receiving criticism, setbacks and challenges tend to make you stronger in the long-term. “Battle scars teach you valuable lessons,” she said.

Be present

Enhancing your personal brand often involves being physically present at the office. It's essential to make yourself visible and heard so that you leave a lasting impression. Being present in the office allows you to interact with colleagues, learn from your peers, glean important information and demonstrate your skills effectively.

Simple things like speaking up in meetings, greeting people in the lift, connecting with senior staff in the hallway, and spending time with colleagues from various departments can boost your visibility in your workplace.

Embrace being uncomfortable

Exploring diverse roles, industries, and challenges can broaden your network and enhance your personal brand. Each experience builds confidence, commercial acumen, and resilience.

Of particular value, are HR roles that help you develop your commerciality and inform you about how the business ticks. Financial literacy and operational knowledge will put you in good stead to navigate and partner with the business, thereby increasing your influence and trust.

Of course, success doesn't have a one-size-fits-all approach. While some may thrive in a non-linear career, a traditional trajectory can also pay dividends if you take a planned approach.

Seek to gain exposure within your current organisation by taking on new projects and engaging with senior management (even if it’s just in the lift to begin with!). Embrace the uncomfortable and put your hand up for new challenges.

Put yourself on the map

Demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude often sets you apart and can lead to promotions.

To really elevate your personal brand, Amanda Hart recommends thinking about how you can raise yourself up and become the first amongst equals. “Think about what you can do to be more visible within the team or broader organisation. Be proactive, instigate something new and leave a legacy.” she suggests.

Hart recommends raising your profile by leading something and really owning it. Don’t just follow traditional work cycles or wait to be given an opportunity. Seek ways to make improvements (even if they are only small) and take action. Even simple steps like setting up a new process, nominating to lead a new initiative or project group, or finding ways to bring people together can help you make your mark.

Take a planned approach

Don't wait for opportunities to come your way. Consider work environments where you thrive, what sort of organisation you’d like to end up in and aspirational roles for the future. Map out a clear plan for your career with clear steps, and don't be afraid to adjust it when necessary.

When looking for, or accepting, a new role, make deliberate choices. Don't just chase money and titles. While they might be nice in the short-term, they are less likely to provide long-term satisfaction. Think about what truly motivates you and what you need to be fulfilled.

Don’t forget that the more money you’re making, the more responsibility and worry you have to take on. And remember that compensation isn't just about salary. Evaluate whether a company's culture aligns with your values and supports your growth and career goals.

Remain curious

Being curious and constantly building your sphere of influence is likely to pay dividend in the long-run of your career. “Read deeply and widely. Build your networks. Put yourself out there. Give to others and you’re going to get back two-fold.,” says Marshall.

Expanding your knowledge and skills keeps you current and competitive. Stay up-to-date by exploring resources like podcasts, LinkedIn Learning, and professional development courses.

Attend events and networking opportunities to connect with potential mentors, sponsors and peers. Offering assistance to others fosters goodwill and opens doors.

Sell yourself effectively

Specialist HR recruitment consultant, Lorainne Winterstein believes that a successful job search often comes down to how well you market yourself online, through your resume and during meetings with recruiters and potential employers. Everything from your headshot photo to your LinkedIn commentary and how clearly you present your ability to make an impact during interviews.

“When searching for a new roles, shape an image that showcases your unique qualities, skills/experience, and what makes you an attractive choice for potential employers.” Winterstein says. “When matching for a role we assess how a personal brand best aligns with a job opportunity. We not only consider if you have the right background, but also whether you will align with the company’s values and culture.”

She also warns that a negative impression can often outlast a positive one. “Ghosting an employer, not showing up for a job interview, or pulling out of a role at the last minute is something that might come back to bite you later-on in your career”.

How we can help

Remember, your personal brand is a dynamic asset that can have a deep impact on your career success. It is something you need to think about, curate deliberately and consider - and that can be empowering. But achieving something great is rarely done alone. To really make your mark, you need others by your side.

Forming a relationship with an experienced HR recruitment consultant is a great way to stay in the know and take a planned approach to your career. With industry insights, salary advice and knowledge of what’s happening in the broader profession, we’re well-placed to keep you connected and informed.

To practice your personal brand pitch, or discuss your short or long term career goals, please feel free to reach out to one of our friendly consultants at The Next Step.