How to Adapt Your Brand Statement for Use Across Your Career Materials
Getting Started
After creating your brand statement, you can adapt it for your CV or resume summary, LinkedIn summary, and portfolio/website (if you have one). Please see examples of the brand statement and its adaptations below.
Key Takeaways
- Can be in first person or without pronouns; best to avoid third person.
- Use your brand statement as a diving board to help you build your resume summary, LinkedIn summary, and portfolio biography (examples listed below).
Brand Statement Example 1 (with pronouns)
I am a business analyst with a background in mathematics. I have skills in Excel, VBA, Python, and SQL from [school name], where I earned a certificate in data analytics and visualization. I have an insatiable intellectual curiosity and ability to mine hidden gems located within large sets of structured, semi-structured, and raw data. I enjoy leveraging background and skills set to support detailed and efficient analysis. Recently, I completed a project in a team of three using data sets from data.gov, Python, JavaScript, and Flask to visualize changes in population in the greater Atlanta area from 2012 to 2018. My analytical problem-solving abilities, combined with strengths in collaborating across diverse groups, make me a valuable addition to any team.
Brand Statement Example 2
Data architect with a certificate in data visualization from [school name] and 5+ years of experience in sales and service industries. Proven technical and leadership aptitude in data warehousing and management environments. Qualifications encompass partnering with business, leadership, and teams to define needs; evaluate risks and issues; and implement architecture, tools, and best practices to enhance decision-making and drive competitive growth. Well versed in presenting to executive staff and driving cross-functional collaboration across varied organizational subcultures and global teams. Skilled in Python, pandas, SQL, and data visualization tools such as JavaScript and D3.js. Find great satisfaction in extracting insights from data that inform decision-making and drive growth.
Brand Statement Example 3
Accomplished data scientist with a BS and MS in computer science and a certificate in data science from [school name]. History of success with developing machine-learning predictive models, implementing efficient and high-performance applications, and collaborating with different levels of staff to exceed company expectations. Experienced in Python, Java, C++, Hadoop, and both SQL and NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL). Excel at leading teams to success and in designing and executing technical solutions. Made extensive positive impact within government, for-profit, and nonprofit organizations. Thrive in environments where strengths in modern analysis tools are utilized.
Adapting for the Resume Summary
Key Takeaways
- Must not include pronouns.
- Omit details listed elsewhere on the resume for conciseness (e.g., education, a full list of technical skills, specific achievements or projects). The exception to this is if you want to emphasize a qualification, such as a recently completed program, at the top of the resume.
- Summary should be three to five sentences where you highlight a mix of the role you want at graduation, achievements, and soft skills. If an employer has two candidates with the same tech skills, they will defer to the summary to see if there is something that sets you apart from the other candidates.
Example 1
Business analyst with a background in mathematics. Trained at [school name] Data Analytics and Visualization program, earning a certificate. Insatiable intellectual curiosity and ability to mine hidden gems located within large sets of structured, semi-structured, and raw data. Team-oriented individual with strengths in analytical problem solving and collaborating across diverse groups.
Example 2
Data architect with a proven technical and leadership aptitude in data warehousing and management environments. Well versed in presenting to executive staff and driving cross-functional collaboration across varied organizational subcultures and global teams. Find great satisfaction in extracting insights from data that inform decision-making and drive growth.
Example 3
Accomplished data scientist with a certificate in data science from [school name]. Extensive experience utilizing modern analysis tools to make a positive impact within government, for-profit, and nonprofit organizations. History of success with developing machine-learning predictive models, implementing efficient and high-performance applications, and collaborating with different levels of staff to exceed company expectations.
Adapting for the LinkedIn Summary (“About” Section)
Key Takeaways
- More similar to the brand statement than to the CV or resume summary.
- First person is ideal, but omitting all pronouns is okay. Third person should be avoided, since it can sound awkward.
- Flexibility in formatting. This content can be expanded if desired but should avoid listing every detail about your experience, skills, etc., since those are listed in sections underneath.
- Might include an invitation to connect at the end.
Example 1
I am a data analyst who believes the strategic analysis and communication of data make up a key factor in achieving an organization’s goals.
I hold a certificate in data analysis and visualization and over 100 classroom hours of experience managing and visualizing big data sets using technologies such as Python, pandas, and MySQL. I have written code for a variety of data sets and can effectively communicate insights from data.
My experience as a manager at one of the top-performing Sam’s Clubs in the Midwest region has taught me the importance of data collection and using that data to inform decisions.
I bring the following to every project:
- Problem-solving skills and perseverance
- Experience in business metrics and statistics
- Dedication to teamwork and flexible collaboration
- A foundational knowledge in machine learning
Eager to connect with you to learn more about what I can do to provide data-centric solutions to your organization.
Example 2
Data scientist with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. I recently earned a certificate in data analytics and visualization from [school name], where I developed skills in Jupyter, pandas, SQL, and more. An inquisitive, analytical problem-solver passionate about mining data for hidden gems that can positively impact social change.
I’m excited to leverage my skills as part of a fast-paced, quality-driven team. Let’s connect!
Adapting for the Portfolio Bio
Key Takeaways
- Most similar to the brand statement and LinkedIn summary.
- Can include personal interests or hobbies that demonstrate how they make you a better analyst or how they fuel and inspire your work. For example: “Fun fact: My first website was built as a photo portfolio (i.e., shrine) of my cat, Jinx. No matter how far the UI has come, she still doesn’t approve of it.”
- Might include an invitation to contact, with a link to the portfolio’s ”Contact” section or page.
Example
I am a business analyst with a background in mathematics. I recently earned a certificate in data analytics and visualization from [school name], where I developed skills in Python, pandas, and SQL, among others.
I take pride in creating beautiful visual representations of data for executives and stakeholders. Recently completed a project in a team of three using data sets from data.gov, Python, JavaScript, and Flask to visualize changes in population in the greater Atlanta area from 2012 to 2018.
When I’m not mining data or creating stellar visualizations, I enjoy photographing natural landscapes, trying out a new recipe, or honing my data skills with short courses.
I’m excited to leverage my skills in the future as part of a data-driven team. Reach out to me to chat about our next project here [insert hyperlink here if applicable].
