Is Personal Branding Necessary for All Careers?

Dear Experts, I keep reading these articles about selling yourself and your image. I can see where all of this is very true, for sales people, managers and executives, but I wonder if it applies equally to other fields. For example, I am in the semiconductor industry, my talents are largely in the technical area. Social events and selling are difficult for a lot of technical people. I can imagine being able to sell myself being helpful, but I have no skills for doing that and am not good at small talk. I don't think I am going to interest people with a lot of technical talk. Do you have any insight for these kinds of jobs? Here is how our CAREEREALISM-Approved Experts answered this question on Twitter: Q#438 Personal brand=consistent image/message in resume, cover letter, social media =highlight your core value to employer. (@juliaerickson) Q#438 Branding isn't all selling yourself, it's being intentional about the impressions you make- and that transcends. (@EmilyBennington) Q#438 It's just your way of expressing yourself. Make sure the real YOU stands out, that's what matters. (@beneubanks) Q#438 You're selling/promising results! What does your employer need to achieve via you performing your job right? (@resumeservice) Q#438 Every1 has brand. What matters is what u do w/ it. 1st look at skills, 2nd look at their needs. Overlap is your brand. (@JoshuaWaldman) Q#438 Small talk is more than talking technical at work. Try attending network events to work on your networking skills. (@gradversity) Q#438 A solid work ethic, the ability to engage and help others be at ease transcends career paths. Develop social skills. (@DawnBugni) Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.

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The new year is here! For many of us, January is the perfect time to reflect on our lives and set new goals, hoping to become better versions of ourselves. Most people make personal resolutions, like getting in shape, quitting smoking or drinking, or learning a new language. But what about career resolutions?

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