8 Different Ways For Finding Jobs In Ghana

The techniques for finding Jobs in Ghana have changed over the decades. The old days of finding a job right out of school and sticking with it until retirement are certainly in the past. 

In Ghana today, people have become more adept at locating new job opportunities. But some of the more traditional tactics have started to fade in popularity; no longer are people looking solely at the newspaper want-ads to find their dream jobs. Job seekers are becoming more creative and utilizing new strategies in moving their careers forward.

Networking

It is said that the majority of job vacancies are never advertised, often referred to as the “hidden job market.” To land these jobs, seekers will need to find a way to get a foot in the door. Networking can go a long way in locating job opportunities; even if no one you know directly has knowledge of a job opening, there’s a chance they know someone who does.

Networking can be done both in person and online. You can join professional associations, attend events for graduates of your school or aim to connect with professionals who work in your field. Various online tools also exist, such as Linked-In, which allow you to network with other professionals and learn out about possible job openings.

Referrals

Referrals also come from individuals you know, however, this method may get you an invitation to apply for a position without actually searching for a new a job. Some employers offer incentives to their employees for referring a successful candidate to their company.

This creates a win-win situation for everyone. You get a new job, and your contact gets a finder’s fee for attracting a top-notch employee.

Job Boards and Career Websites

Traditionally, Job boards were boards posting vacancies and employment opportunities. Though some of these boards may still exist in a literal sense, many job boards have moved toward a virtual format. You can also use job search engines on the internet or the vast number of career-related websites that post job openings, such as Jobberman Ghana Website

Job Fairs

Job fairs such as the Jobberman Career Workshop are typically targeted toward specific industries, though some job or recruitment fairs are more generalized. These workshops will usually come with a list of the organizations that will be present. Investigate companies that interest you, bring a number of resumes and be ready to sell yourself.

Consider any conversations with recruiters as mini interviews that can set you apart from other applicants. Some organizations may even offer on-site interviews to candidates that match their requirements.

Company Websites

If you already have your dream employer in mind, why not go directly to the career section of their website? If you watch for openings on their site, there’s a chance you’ll find just the opportunity that you've been waiting for.

If you’re really set on working for a specific company it may take some time to find just the opportunity that fits your skill set. But if you've got the luxury of time, this might be the optimal method for finding your dream job.

Cold Calling

If you don’t see any job listings posted for a company you’re particularly interested in, you might consider making a cold call. You can use the telephone or email to contact individuals within an organization by finding their contact details on the company website or by inquiring with a receptionist. Contact individuals directly to find out if they foresee any upcoming vacancies, and be sure to attach a copy of your resume to any emails you send. You can also ask for information about types of jobs, or what kind of skills or qualities the organization looks for in a candidate. Keep in mind that this kind of contact may not always be well received, but there is always a chance it’ll give you the inside track on upcoming vacancies.

Head Hunters and Recruitment Agencies

If you’re looking for some professional help in your job search, head hunters and recruitment agencies can definitely lend a hand. There are a number of organizations that hire through recruitment agencies because it helps to streamline the lengthy process of locating and interviewing candidates. Head hunters locate individuals to fill a specific vacancy within an organization or find a position for a job seeker who has hired their services.

Temping or Internships

Sometimes temporary employment can lead to permanent positions. If you’re without work, finding a temporary position with a great company is a great way to get a foot in the door, or provide you with useful business contacts to call upon in the future. Internships are a great choice for students who are just graduating from the University and many schools’ job placement services can connect students with opportunities.

The Bottom Line

In the modern job market, finding the very best job opportunities often requires a combination of methods. Always keep in mind that there are a variety of methods available for finding job opportunities, all with their own strengths and weaknesses, so shy away from expediting these techniques and chasing your dream job.

How to Build and Expand Your Career Network

Just about every article on job-hunting you’ll read on Quintessential Careers or any other career site says the same thing — rendering this maxim a virtual job-seeker mantra: “the most effective method for finding a new job is through networking.”

Listening to job-hunting gurus, career counselors, and career coaches results in the same call to action — to connect with your network of contacts and enlist their help in uncovering job leads.The problem for many job-seekers, though, is not so much in understanding the extreme importance of networking, but in the execution of networking. 

More specifically, job-seekers wonder, where do all these networking contacts come from — and how can I get people to be part of my network? The key point to remember is that networking is relationship-building. 

Your network consists of people you’ve met (either in person or online) — and you build your network by going out and meeting more people.

Then the question becomes, how do I meet people to add to my network? The thrust of this article is to provide you with 10 proven techniques for building and expanding your career network.

1. Ask members of your current network for referrals: No easier exists way to expand your network than to simply ask your current friends, family, and associates for the contact information of others whom they think would be beneficial for you to know. The “friend-of-a-friend” connection is quite strong and usually very successful. “Who else should I be talking to?” is a good question to use when asking for referrals.

2. Join professional or trade organizations: No better method exists for finding people who share the same professional interests and goals than joining one or more industry organizations. Once you’re a member, you’ll usually get access to the membership list, which can open up many new prospective network contacts. Most organizations also run regional or national meetings and conferences, which leads to the next technique for building your network of contacts.

3. Attend professional/trade meetings, shows, etc.: The great thing about trade shows and industry meetings and conferences is that you’ll encounter new people to meet — and opportunities for both “meet-and-greets” and in-depth meetings. Seek out peers as well as more experienced members — and even speakers — to add to your network.

 4. Volunteer: Providing your time and effort to a needy cause is perhaps one of the strongest venues for networking — because you are working side-by-side with people who share your passion for helping others — but often overlooked by job-seekers either too busy or too focused on finding industry contacts. Find an organization that needs your help (and there are many) and start volunteering.

5. Attend networking events: This technique is a no-brainer for adding more people to your network of contacts. Various groups hold networking events, including colleges, professional and industry associations, chambers of commerce, and the like. Review community calendars online or in your local newspaper for details.

6. Contact former professors, college alumni association, and/or career-services office: One of the strongest ties that help in building new and strong network contacts is sharing the bond of a college or university. Making additional contacts with people affiliated with your college gives you a solid base of shared experiences — and a strong connection to build upon.

7. Join or ramp up your activities on social and professional networking sites: Once you’re a member of Facebook, LinkedIn, or a similar networking site, you’ll immediately be provided with strategies for adding friends or connections, such as reconnecting with people who attended the same schools. Electronic connections are not nearly as strong as personal connections, but that should not stop you from at least trying this technique. You can use your virtual connections to grease the wheels toward face-to-face meetings. (Remember to develop and keep a professional profile on these sites.)

8. Join or start job club: In some ways, a job club is the ultimate networking experience because the people you meet there all have shared experiences and the desire for a new job. Run the right way, a job club is a very positive and rewarding experience, a chance to help yourself and others.

9. Conduct informational interviews: There is no better strategy for entry-level job-seekers and career-changers to find and add people to your professional network than to conduct several (or many) informational interviews. As the name implies, it’s an interview you initiate with someone in your profession/industry whose brain you can pick about how s/he got their start, moved up the ladder, and so forth.

10. Contact former co-workers, vendors, customers/clients: Many times as we move from job to job, employer to employer, we lose touch with former co-workers, customers, and the like. These people all had a relationship with you before and could again — you simply need to reconnect with them.

Final Thoughts — and Career Networking Strategies

Above all else, remember that networking is a reciprocal relationship. You may be seeking help uncovering job leads today, but tomorrow someone in your network may be asking for your help.

Never be afraid to ask people in your network for help; don’t ask them to get you a job, but do ask them for possible leads, other people they know that you might add to your network and any advice or other information you seek.

When meeting people for the first time, don’t make it all about you; ask about the other person and what she/he does for a living. Finally, always be prepared for networking — because the opportunity to meet someone can happen literally anywhere… and the person could change your life.

To be fully prepared for networking, always carry networking or business cards, have a short elevator speech introduction at the ready, and keep a copy of your resume with you just in case a networking encounter leads to deeper possibilities.

Serge Aurier joins Hotspurs

SERGE AURIER

 The right-back has signed a contract with the Club until 2022 and will wear the number 24 shirt.

Serge came through the ranks at French club Lens and moved to Toulouse in January, 2012, where his performances earned him a place in the 2013-14 Ligue 1 Team of the Year.

The Ivory Coast international signed for PSG in July, 2014, initially on loan before making the move permanent in April 2015, and went on to appear 81 times and score five goals for the Parisians.

While at the Parc des Princes, Serge won two Ligue 1 titles, three French Cups, three French League Cups, four French Super Cups and was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year for a second time in 2015-16.

He has represented his country 40 times, including three appearances at the 2014 World Cup, and was selected in the 2015 African Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament when the Ivory Coast lifted the trophy.

Serge said: “This is a huge and exciting opportunity at a massive football club and I am determined to prove myself as a professional both on and off the pitch. This is a fresh start for me and I will do everything to make the Spurs fanbase, which is huge and diverse, proud of me. The fans are the most important people at any club and I am looking forward to showing them and everyone at Spurs the real Serge Aurier.”

Kylian Mbappe trains with France team-mates ahead of his move to PSG

MBAPPE

Kylian Mbappe put his impending transfer to Paris Saint-Germain behind him as he trained with France ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The Monaco forward is set to join PSG on an initial loan deal before a £166million permanent transfer to the Parisens next season. 

But despite his future being up in the air, Mbappe looked completely at ease on Wednesday as he was put through his paces by France coach Didier Deschamps. 

Mbappe was all smiles as he trained with his Les Bleus team-mates ahead of their qualifying clash with Holland on Thursday. He was even pictured sharing a joke with defender Layvin Kurzawa who he is set to join at the Parc des Princes.

The 18-year-old linked up with the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, Alexandre Lacazette and Thomas Lemar as France's star-studded squad geared up for the first of two qualifying matches - they take on Luxembourg on Saturday. 

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, Chelsea's N'Golo Kante, and Bayern Munich duo Kingsley Coman and Corentin Tolisso are also included in the squad - though Barcelona's newest signing Ousmane Dembele has been left out.

Mbappe's club team-mate Thomas Lemar is also to leave the Stade Louis II. Liverpool officials have flown to Monaco to thrash out a £74m deal for Lemar and are also prepared to offer Divock Origi on loan. 

France are currently second in their qualification group, behind Sweden on goal difference and three points ahead of third-placed Holland.

But Deschamps insists he remains calm over his side's situation, with four games still remaining as France look to seal their place at Russia 2018. 

'Why doubt?', Deschamps told Le Parisien. 'Twelve points remain to be distributed. First place remains accessible. It is therefore useless to sound the alarm bell.'

He added: 'It (the Holland match) is very important, without being decisive, because there will be three more matches after.

'There is a legitimate agitation around - and it is up to us to ignore it. It is not by going into Thursday with fear in our belly that we will achieve our ends.'

According to reports in France, Mbappe's transfer will be made permanent for £166m as long as PSG avoid relegation from Ligue 1. 

The obligation means that even if Mbappe struggles to settle at the Parc des Princes or suffers a serious injury, PSG will still be forced to fork out for the youngster.

The structure of the deal is to allow PSG to skirt around Financial Fair Play rulings, after they signed Neymar from Barcelona for a world-record £198m fee earlier this summer.   

Nani touches down in Rome ahead of sealing move from Valencia to Lazio

NANI

Nani has arrived in Rome ahead of completing a move to Lazio from Valencia. 

The 30-year-old was pictured at Rome Airport with a club scarf as he prepares to tie up the formalities of his transfer. There are, however, conflicting reports as to the makeup of the deal for the Portuese winger.

According to Calciomercato negotiations have reached an advanced stage over a permanent move that could well be up to €15million (£13.8m). However, Sky Italia say Lazio will pay €8million (£7.3m) fee for an initial loan, with an option or obligation to buy.

Nani, who has two years left on his deal at the Mestalla, did not feature in Valencia's opening game of the season - a 2-2 draw with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu last weekend.

The forward performed well at Euro 2016 as Portugal won the European Championship, earning his switch to the Mestalla last summer.

He made 25 La Liga appearances in the 2016-17 campaign, scoring five goals and creating eight more. 

During his time at Old Trafford, Nani won four Premier League titles as well as winning the Champions League in the 2007-08 campaign.

As part of the same deal with agent Jorge Mendes, Lazio will also sign youngsters Bruno Jordao and Pedro Neto from Braga.

Meanwhile, Lazio target Lucas Perez looks to be edging closer to a return to Deportivo La Coruna. 

Tite urges Coutinho to find 'a place where he feels happy'

COUTINHO

Philippe Coutinho was put through his paces during a Brazil training session on Wednesday with his club future hanging in the balance.

Coutinho trained as normal with his Brazil team-mates as they prepared for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Colombia.  

Barcelona are pressing on with their pursuit of the midfielder despite having three bids rejected by Liverpool this summer already - the most recent worth £114million.  

But with just one day remaining in the Premier League transfer window, Coutinho turned his attentions to international duty as Brazil bid to seal their place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

  

Brazil looked in good spirits as they trained, with the likes of Neymar, Marcelo and Gabriel Jesus all finding time to joke around during the session. 

And Liverpool fans will also be encouraged to see Coutinho messing about with his club team-mate Roberto Firmino in Porto Alegre. 

The five-time world champions are on course to qualify as they sit top of their South American qualifying section, nine points ahead of second-placed Colombia. 

Tite's side host Ecuador in Porto Alegre on Thursday night before traveling to Colombia four days later.

And the Brazil coach revealed Coutinho will start on the bench on Thursday, with Willian set to start.

Speaking about the Chelsea midfielder, Tite said: 'He has been playing, he is doing great so, in fairness, he will start the match and Coutinho is benched.'

Tite also said he told Coutinho he needed to be in a 'place where he feels happy; if it's at Liverpool - if it's a move to Barcelona.'

Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez confirmed to Sportsmail that the Catalans were in negotiations to sign one unnamed player - possibly Coutinho. 

Reports in Spain suggest that Barcelona will turn their attentions to Monaco's Thomas Lemar should they fail to sign Coutinho. 

Liverpool themselves are targeting Lemar and the Merseyside club have sent officials to Monaco in an attempt to seal a £74m deal for the France international. 

But Mundo Deportivo report that Barcelona have now made Lemar their 'Plan B' - with Liverpool so far remaining firm in their refusal to sell Coutinho.

Neymar meanwhile could soon be joined by another superstar signing at the PSG, with Kylian Mbappe closing in on a loan move to the Parc des Princes from Monaco.

The deal will involve an obligation to buy the striker for £166m at the end of the season and is structured to avoid PSG falling foul of Financial Fair Play regulations.  

Robin van Persie trains with Holland team-mates

van PERSIE

Robin van Persie trained with his Holland team-mates on Wednesday as he prepared for a potential comeback appearance in the World Cup qualifier against France.

Van Persie has not appeared for Holland since October 2015 - when he scored at both ends in a 3-2 Euro 2016 qualifying loss to Czech Republic. 

His form for club side Fenerbahce has since earned him a recall after two years out in the cold and he looked ready to seize the opportunity on Wednesday, as he was put through his paces during a training session at the Stade de France. 

The ex-Manchester United and Arsenal striker is bidding to help Holland turn around their fortunes after they missed out on qualification for Euro 2016.

But Dick Advocaat's men face a tough task in Group A, as they sit three points behind second-placed France with just four games remaining. 

Only the first-placed team are guaranteed qualification for Russia 2018 with the eight best runners-up from the nine groups entering a two-legged play-off tie. 

Van Persie was joined by the likes of Wesley Sneijder, Daley Blind and Arjen Robben as Holland prepared for the first of two World Cup qualifiers - they face Bulgaria on Saturday after Thursday's clash with France.

And despite the strength of France's star-studded squad, Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben is upbeat on Holland's chances in Paris.

'Of course, France have, in terms of quality, a really good team, but I don't want to talk about them,' Robben said ahead of Thursday's match at the Stade de France. 

'I think we must not think that we are not as good, we must be convinced of our own qualities and believe that we can beat them.

'I'm always very positive. We can well say that it will be difficult because France have a better team, but if you think like that, then you might as well stay at home.

'We must go to Paris with conviction. It is a bit like the situation at the World Cup in 2014. If you believe in something and have the requisite ambition, you can go far.'

Holland managed a third-placed finish at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but have since struggled - Advocaat's predecessor Danny Blind lost his job following a defeat at Bulgaria in March. 

Van Persie has made 101 appearances for Holland in total since making his international debut in 2005, scoring 50 goals in the process.  

Chelsea hold talks over Diego Costa

COSTA

Atletico Madrid and Chelsea have held further talks on Wednesday over a compromise fee for Diego Costa.

A Spanish lawyer representing Chelsea is understood to have listened to Atletico's proposal which is to pay around £39m with a further £10m based on add-ons.

Costa has interest from Everton, Las Palmas and Besiktas among others over a potential short term loan until he is cleared to be registered to play for Atletico Madrid in January.

The Brazil-born striker is keen to leave Stamford Bridge after being made surplus to requirements ahead of the start of the new season.

He revealed over the summer that he had received a text from Antonio Conte telling him he was no longer part of his plans.

In an interview with Sportsmail, which took place in his home town of Lagarto, where he has spent his summer, Costa said he felt as though he had been treated like a 'criminal'.

The 28-year-old has insisted that the only club he will join is his former side Atletico, who he won La Liga within 2013-14.  

Jürgen Klopp: I've been watching Alex's progress since 2014

CHAMBERLAIN

Jürgen Klopp has outlined his delight at adding Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to his Liverpool project, three years after first noticing his talents during a Champions League game as Borussia Dortmund manager.

The 24-year-old penned a long-term deal with the Reds on Thursday to seal a deadline-day switch from Arsenal.

Klopp admits he has long held admiration for Oxlade-Chamberlain ever since he caught the eye of the boss after coming on as a substitute for the Gunners in a European tie in Dortmund back in September 2014.

The manager told Liverpoolfc.com: “I am really, really happy we have got Alex signed. Since the last game I have been waiting and hoping we could make this transfer - and when I got the news he was ours it was fantastic.

“I remember the first time I saw him play live - it was at Dortmund in 2014 and he came on as a sub that day and made a big impact. He stood out immediately because of his pace and skills and his attitude in such a big game for a young player; I remember him chasing back to make a brilliant challenge on Mkhitaryan in the box to save a certain goal.

“We won that game but lost the return match at Arsenal when he started and played well, I think he hit the post. Since then I have followed him and when I heard it may be possible to sign him I didn't need to think twice.

“I hear a lot of talk about positions but let's talk about the player; he is someone with really good abilities who always gives everything for his team. A player that is positive and willing to take risks to try and make positive things happen. 

“He may still be young but he has a lot of experience in the Premier League, Champions League and for his country. Already he is a very, very good player and I think he has the mentality and desire to get even better - and that excites me. 

“This is someone making a tough decision to leave one great club and come to another great club and I think he had many options, so to get him means I am delighted.

“He didn't make an easy decision but I think he made a great one to go on this journey with this squad of talented boys and our great supporters. I welcome him to the Liverpool family.”

Arsenal rejects £50m bid for Alexis Sanchez from Man City

SANCHEZ

Sky Sports News reported earlier on Tuesday that City were preparing to make an offer for the Chile international, with manager Pep Guardiola keen to secure his services before the close of the summer transfer window.

It is understood City remain committed to a cash deal and no sum was mentioned in terms of an improved offer for Sanchez.

Despite turning down the offer, Sky Sports News understands Arsenal would consider the option of England winger Raheem Sterling being included in any deal that takes Sanchez to the Etihad.

However, any deaI involving Sterling would also include Arsenal paying a fee to City as a makeweight.

Sanchez has less than 11 months remaining on his current contract and is yet to sign terms on a fresh deal at the Emirates.

Arsenal denied claims Sanchez had handed in a transfer request on Monday night, but Chilean media T13 reported on Tuesday that the 28-year-old had asked to leave the Chile training camp to "conduct personal business".

Arsene Wenger has reiterated his desire to keep Sanchez throughout the summer and said earlier this month that he hoped the former Barcelona man would extend his contract.

Sanchez made his first appearance of the new Premier League season in the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool on Super Sunday having been given extra time off in the summer after competing for Chile at the Confederations Cup in Russia.

During the competition in Russia, Sanchez was asked by Sky Sports News whether he would remain at Arsenal beyond this summer's window and replied: "I don't know."

Sanchez enjoyed his most prolific scoring campaign for Arsenal last season, netting 30 goals in 51 appearances having been deployed in a central striking role.

Source: Skysports

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rejects Chelsea and wants Liverpool move

CHAMBERLAIN

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has turned down the opportunity to join Premier League champions Chelsea, according to Sky sources.

The Gunners had agreed to sell the England international to their London rivals for a fee believed to be £35m.

However, Sky Sports News understands the 24-year-old favours a move to Liverpool ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is out of contract at the end of the season and is now set to either see out the remaining 11 months of his Arsenal deal or move to Liverpool, were they to put in a bid and have it accepted.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is currently on duty with the England squad, has started all of Arsenal's games this season but met manager Arsene Wenger ahead of Sunday's 4-0 loss to Liverpool, to discuss his future.

Former Arsenal man Nigel Winterburn thinks it is time for Oxlade-Chamberlain to depart and told Sky Sports News on Tuesday: "Personally, I think he has had enough at Arsenal.

"It is time to move on and face a new challenge."

Drinkwater hands in Leicester transfer request and wants Chelsea move

DRINKWATER

Leicester City and Chelsea are still "a long way apart" in their valuation of Danny Drinkwater, who has handed in a transfer request, according to Sky sources.

The England midfielder is understood to want to move to Stamford Bridge but the West London club have failed to meet Leicester's valuation so far, with a fee of £25m having been discussed.

The Foxes do not want to sell their prize playmaker and Sky Sports News understands it will take an exceptional offer in excess of £30m to prise him away from the King Power Stadium before the deadline.

Sky sources understand the later a new offer is made for Drinkwater, the more reluctant Leicester will be to sell, because of the difficulty they would have in finding a suitable replacement at short notice.

Chelsea have already signed combative midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco this summer but Blues manager Antonio Conte wants Drinkwater to bring something different to the team.

The champions also sold Nemanja Matic to Manchester United - something Conte was reportedly not on board with - and Drinkwater has been highlighted as a possible replacement for the Serb.

Drinkwater only recently signed a new four-year contract but he would also be reunited with former Leicester team-mate N'Golo Kante should he move to Stamford Bridge.

The pair starred alongside each other as Leicester clinched the Premier League title in 2015-16.

New signing Bakayoko insists he is not threatened by the possibility of Drinkwater joining Chelsea.

"Competition only makes you better. I am not scared of anyone," Bakayoko told French media SFR Sport. "I think that there are not enough of us in midfield, especially with all the competitions we will be playing in.

"We need another midfielder to reinforce the team, so it is a very good thing that he could be coming."

Source: Skysports

SUCCESSFUL PERSONAL CAREER BRANDING

SAMUEL APPIAH

PERSONAL BRANDING

Personal branding is the practice of people marketing themselves and their careers as brands.

The term branding has long been relegated to companies, but today almost every individual has a personal brand. Though we do not pay attention to guide and nurture it.

Most job-seekers are not proactive in building and maintaining their career brand, allowing your brand speaks for you when seeking promotions or new jobs. It has become very crucial to take time to master some very basic tactics that can help build your career brand and make you a much more attractive employee or job-seeker. Remember, if you don’t brand yourself, others will do for you anyway, and while you may be happy and secured in your job now, you really never know when things will change. In nurturing your personal brand, there is the need to consider these;

See yourself as a brand : Is there a certain subject matter in which you want to be perceived as an expert or are there general qualities you want linked to your brand? Once you understand how you wish your brand to be perceived, you can start to be much more strategic about your personal brand.

Complete Education/Training: For many careers, a minimum amount of education is necessary, but to excel in your career you may need to complete additional education, training, or certifications. Getting additional education can greatly enhance your career brand.It may be hard in terms of time and finances, but find a way to do it. Some employers even offer an educational reimbursement benefit. Self-learning is another option.If you are unsure if you need more education — and you probably do — seek out a mentor, someone highly respected in your field (who has branded himself or herself well), and ask for advice.

Gain experience: Building your brand begins with tracking your past achievements and gaining tactically important new experiences. Your achievements are the basis of your career brand and your brand story.

Before you seek out new opportunities, take the time to plan and focus on what you want your brand to stand for and develop a strategy for gaining experience in areas of your brand in which you are weak. So, besides performing your duties, ask for new and challenging assignments that will build your brand. Use volunteering to gain experience if you’re a student, seek out multiple internships. To excel in your career you may need to complete additional education, training, or certifications. Getting additional education can greatly enhance your career brand.

Create an online presence: You cannot build your brand without considering marketing yourself online. There are a lot of platforms to showcase your brand online; typical is LinkedIn, Google+, tweeter and other professional online apps. Differentiate yourself with middle names from other people who may bear the same names with you.

Securing a personal website for yourself is one of the best ways to rank for your name on the search engines. It can be a simple two to three page site with your resume, link to your social platforms, and a brief bio. You can always expand on the website with time when you gather more experience. You can have an amazing brand, but if no one knows about it, you are not going to have much success with your career development. And no one more than you has more reasons to promote your brand.

Associate with other brands: Your personal brand is strengthened or weakened by your connection to other brands. Find and leverage strong brands which can elevate your own personal brand.

Nothing in marketing is more powerful in building your career brand than what your network of contacts; colleagues, college, clients, and former bosses — say about you and your set of skills, education, and actions. And keeping your network strong involves nothing more than relationship building. Keep in good contact with your network and be sure they know of your most recent achievements.

Once you identify and build your brand, remember to continue strengthening and protecting it. There will always be competing brands (job-seekers) ready to fill any gap you leave behind.

Most importantly, remember that a strong personal brand should be global and ever evolving.

Become an Expert: Nothing builds credibility in a career brand more than establishing yourself as an expert in your field. Start by writing articles that showcase your knowledge — and getting them published (ideally) in noteworthy media outlets. Consider self-publishing. Seek out conferences and meetings where you can give speeches and presentations. Play up awards and other recognition that can help label you an expert. Get quoted by offering your thoughts, ideas, and opinions to journalists and reporters. Consider constructing a professional Website or blog where you can publish all your articles and speeches.

Build Relationships: Nothing in marketing is more powerful than a promotion tool called word-of-mouth, which can be defined as what people say about you. Thus, nothing is more powerful in building your career brand than what your network of contacts — your friends, colleagues, customers, clients, and former bosses — say about you and your set of skills, education, and accomplishments. And keeping your network strong involves nothing more than relationship building. Keep in good contact with your network and be sure they know of your most recent successes. But the best brand-builders don’t stop with their current network; these folks are in constant network-building mode. Search out new professional associations as well as the growing number of online networking communities.

Neymar touches down in Paris ahead of his PSG unveiling following world record £198m move from Barcelona

NEYMAR JNR

Neymar will be unveiled as a Paris Saint-Germain player in an official ceremony on Friday in Paris at 12.30pm UK time to end a saga unlike anything seen in football before.

The Brazilian left Barcelona for the last time after completing his world record move to PSG, and touched down in Paris mid-morning on Friday. 

He was greeted on the tarmac by recently retired PSG left back and Brazil international Maxwell, now an ambassador for the club, before leaving La Bourget airport amidst a motorcade of people carriers.

The striker earlier arrived at Barcelona airport to catch a flight to Paris where he will be officially unveiled after his £198million transfer. 

The fee - the amount which was included in his Barca contract as a release clause - is £109m higher than the previous world record fee, the £89m paid by Manchester united for Paul Pogba.

Neymar was unsurprisingly mobbed as he arrived at departures in Barcelona, both by photographers and by desperate fans.

Two young supporters managed to get close to the Brazilian superstar, one asking for a final autograph, the other putting his arm around Neymar's shoulder.

The striker was later spotted going through airport security, ahead of his flight to the French capital, completing an astonishing move totally unexpected when the transfer window opened. 

Earlier Neymar was pictured leaving his home in the Spanish city, followed by his father, Neymar senior.

The 25-year-old has signed a five-year contract worth £500,000 a week and is in line to make his debut on Saturday at home to Amiens in Ligue 1. 

He will wear the No 10 shirt at PSG, following in the footsteps of fellow countryman Ronaldinho, as well as Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Demand for the shirt is huge, with fans queuing up along the Champs Elysees to get their hands on one from the official club shop.

On Thursday, Neymar penned an emotional goodbye to Barcelona after leaving the Nou Camp.

Shortly after the record-breaking move was announced he had shared a lengthy video to his 79 million Instagram followers.

Speaking to the camera as he read a message written on his phone, Neymar thanked Barcelona for the last few years and revealed his father did not want him to leave.

He said: 'An athlete needs challenges, and for the second time in my life I will contradict my father. 

Papa, I understand and respect your opinion, but my decision is made and I ask you to support me as you always do.' 

Neymar also heaped praise on Lionel Messi, who he regards as the best footballer he will see in his lifetime. 

He said: 'I am sure I will never see another one like him while I'm alive. Leo Messi became my friend in and out of the pitch. It was an honour to play with you.

'I made a trio with Messi and Suarez that made history, conquered everything an athlete can conquer, lived unforgettable moments, lived in a city that is more than a city, it is a homeland.  I love Barcelona and Catalonia.'