Building Your Brand:

How to Market Yourself as a Consultant

In today’s fast-paced job market, building a strong personal brand is essential, especially for consultants in specialized fields like healthcare IT, financial applications, and niche technical recruiting. It’s no longer enough to have experience and qualifications—you need to present a compelling personal brand that resonates with potential clients and employers.

With the consulting landscape evolving rapidly, the leadership team at Talent Groups is here to share actionable strategies to help you stand out and elevate your career in 2024.

1. Keep Your Resume Up-to-Date

Your resume is the foundation of your personal brand and keeping it updated is key. Even if you're not actively looking for a new role, regularly revising your resume guarantees that you're prepared for unexpected opportunities.

“As the job market changes, having an updated resume isn’t just about listing your experience—it’s about showing you’re ready for new opportunities,” says Amy Migliore, Vice President of Recruiting & Delivery at Talent Groups. “Keeping it current is one of the easiest ways to stay competitive and open doors for your next career move.”

For tips on how to optimize your resume to stand out, check out our detailed guide here.

2. Showcase Your Expertise with a Strong Online Presence

In 2024, a polished online presence is non-negotiable. Your LinkedIn profile should serve as a mini-website, highlighting your skills, achievements, and recommendations. Candidates with a comprehensive LinkedIn profile have a 71% higher chance of getting a job interview. But go beyond LinkedIn—share your insights through articles, blog posts, or industry forums. This positions you as a thought leader in your field.

If you’re seeking new opportunities, don’t forget to turn on your "Open to Work" banner on LinkedIn. This simple feature signals your availability to recruiters. For more insights on maximizing this feature, check out our blog post on using LinkedIn’s 'Open to Work' banner.

3. Leverage Social Proof and Recommendations

Recruiters and employers use endorsements and references to evaluate your professional reputation. If your employers are satisfied with your work, don't hesitate to request LinkedIn recommendations. Many candidates either neglect this important section or haven't updated it in years. According to a recent article by Forbes, candidates should have at least five recent recommendations. A LinkedIn survey showed that 50% of hiring managers view recommendations when evaluating a candidate. These recommendations can enhance not only your LinkedIn profile but also your website and even your email signature.