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?

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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)

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