Too often, I see threads in forums about recent graduates who are finding it hard to get work. Headlines like “100 resumes and still no interview” are common.

It’s tempting to apply for every job that you think you might qualify for. Some recruiters recommend doing that. And, it’s efficient to send a tweaked version of the same resume and cover letter for every job that you apply for. That works for some people, but it leads to heartache for others.

Another approach is to take a step back and do your research. First on your industry and then when the time comes, on the business with the job that you’re applying for.

The skill is to align yourself with the workplace and demonstrate that with your personal brand that’s just big enough to get yourself onto an employer’s radar. Everyone has a personal brand. But one that is aligned with your career direction will serve you better than one like “Party animal”. There’s a lot to creating a personal brand, and that includes a cracker LinkedIn profile and networking.

Using personal branding to align yourself with the job you want is what this series is about. It’s a bunch of short videos that illustrate the steps that you could take towards making yourself an employer’s dream hire. If you do this right, you’ll create habits that will not just set you up for getting a job, but also for a successful career.