The Importance of Building a Strong Reputation

By: Kandice Thorn

In the job search, we focus a great deal of attention on networking and making connections.  In this context, we often mention the importance of making a good impression.  But rarely do we take that a step further to talk about the importance of building your reputation.


Reputation is about more than making a good impression in a particular interaction.  It is relatively easy to make a good impression once, but building a reputation requires consistency.  You don't develop a reputation for punctuality by being on time once; you develop it by always being on time.

In the job search, it is important to build a reputation for having the characteristics that people look for in an employee:

• Dependability
• Responsiveness
• Preparedness
• Communication Skills
• Diligence
• Attention to Detail

Every little interaction lays a brick that will form the foundation for your reputation.  The best way to build a strong reputation is to act in a way that is deserving of that reputation.  You can't fake it, and it takes work.  But it is an investment that will pay dividends in the long run.