As a jobseeker you might have come across a number of jobs that make you feel you're the perfect candidate for it. There might even be interviews you would have walked out of feeling that you've just landed the perfect position only to realize later that you were not even short-listed for the position. Yes, all of us might have gone through that phase at least once in our life. It's frustrating and sometimes it can even make you feel apprehensive to apply for a similar position again, if it ever comes up. But have you ever tried to analyze what might have gone wrong in your near perfect interview?

Well, it's your brand! Wondering what your brand is? Well, you are the brand that employers meet during an interview. Your qualification, attitude, determination, values, ethics, personality, experiences, dreams, ambition, well just about everything that makes you who you are, makes up brand-You. Like any organisation or product that has different features, you as a person will have features that can benefit others too, and that is exactly what any prospective employer will try to figure out for the overall benefit of the organisation.

Very rarely do we realize that each and every person in a company adds up to make a whole. Be it the housekeeping staff or the CEO, every company thrives and grows because of the work that each person does. Then don't you think that when you are facing your prospective employer he would be wondering what you could contribute too?

Of course they will and that should be reason enough for you to take an objective view of yourself.

Here are some tips for you to strengthen brand-You.

Put your best foot forward
First and foremost, take a look at yourself literally. Do you like what you see? Always, remember that the first step towards building your self-esteem is to like your self, because if you don't like what you see then you can be very sure that others won't. Expensive attire doesn't make you what you are; it's the confidence that you exude that gives shape to your character. Whatever you do, if you feel confident that you can face the challenge, then you can be sure that the job will be well done.

Be a person of substance
Yes, empty vessels make the most noise but how long can that last? Anything that lacks quality dies an early death and so will your brand if it's not nourished generously with the wealth of knowledge that experience teaches you. It's your experience, be it your work or life that gives your personality an edge over others. Yes, it is the same for everyone but don't you think that when you consider yourself the best person for the job, you are absolutely sure you are the best suited? Then what are you waiting for? All you have to do is to make sure before you go for the interview, to analyse why and what you can give the organisation and make sure that you put forth your strategy to your prospective employer. Imagine you are starting up a company, and then won't you have a business plan that you will have to show a venture capitalist. Well, the same works here too; if you're sure of the value that you can bring to the table, then you can be certain that others will too.

Your Brand Equity
What makes a brand tick? It's how they address a certain need. Well, you are expected to fill in certain needs of an organisation and how you propose to do so, makes an impression among your target audience. At an interview your audience is your interviewer and the way you propose to address their needs builds your brand equity among employers. Your commendable past work experiences can notch up your value and it's imperative that you get them on paper. It's always facts that speak louder in an interview.

Where to communicate
Your brand message comprises the essence of your achievements and character, and it is this message that you use when the inevitable "Tell me about yourself" happens! You can also add it to your resume to let an employer know what sets you apart from the rest of the pack. Even a single sentence that can distinguish you should be enough as long as it is consistent and positive.