Using Color to Establish Your Personal Brand

Posted June 27, 2014

Landing a job is not black and white. In fact, adding a little color may be just the thing to boost your personal brand and help you succeed in the job hunt.

Companies have long recognized the importance of color in helping to create an image and convey a message. In some cases, a company becomes so defined by its color that it becomes part of its slogan (ask UPS, “What can Brown do for you?”).

In the same way color helps UPS and other companies establish a brand, it can help you establish a personal brand that will make you more recognizable and attractive to employers.

There are many ways to add color in your job search.  Make a colored background on your website and social media pages.  Create colored stationary and envelopes for thank-you notes. Add a streak of color underneath your name and contact information on your resume.

So what color is right for you? Below are some examples of colors and the ideas they convey.  Choose the color that best matches the message you want to send to potential employers.

1. Red. Red is associated with power, boldness, energy, and passion. Think Virgin, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, and Red Bull.   
2. Green. Green is the color of nature.  It evokes the environment and feelings of growth and rebirth.  Companies use green to convey earth-friendliness.  Think Starbucks, Whole Foods, and Subway. It also evokes feelings of calmness and relaxation, which explains why it is used in “green rooms” and many operating rooms.    
3. Yellow. Yellow conveys warmth, happiness, fun and creativity.  It is popular with many restaurant chains, such as McDonalds, Denny’s, and Sonic, as well as companies like Hallmark and Ikea.
4. Blue. Blue conveys trust, security, and integrity, making it popular with banks and insurance companies, such as Citibank, AIG, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.  It is also associated with logic and communication, making it the preferred choice for social media companies like Facebook and Twitter.   
5. Purple. Purple is the color of luxury, royalty, wealth, and decadence.  It is popular with many universities, such as NYU and Northwestern, as well as companies like Cadbury and Yahoo.
6. Orange. Orange conveys playfulness and comfort.  Think Nickelodeon.
7. Brown. Conveys dependability.  See UPS.

Choose the color that matches your message, and you are well on your way to establishing a personal brand that will make employers take notice.  For more help in all stages of your job search, contact us at Ambassador Personnel. We will give you the assistance you need to find jobs in your area.