What can students and job-seekers learn from a can of soda? A little personal re-invention can be the key to successfully landing a great job!

Let’s first flash back to January 28, 2009. At a press conference in New York City, PepsiCo formally announced its new marketing reinvention strategy—complete with new advertisements, new packaging, and new logo. These modifications, which are one of the most dramatic brand changes in the history of American advertising, are designed to breathe some new life and energy into PepsiCo’s famous beverages.

Have you noticed anything different about Pepsi, Tropicana, SoBe Lifewater, or Gatorade? All are beverage brands owned by PepsiCo, and all have undergone significant changes in their appearance and marketing strategies. The goal of new campaign is to celebrate the PepsiCo of past generations while embodying the optimistic spirit of today’s youth.

The new Pepsi logo is a white band in the middle of the Pepsi circle that is designed to resemble a smile. Chris Campell, executive creative director at Interbrand, says that “this seems to be a really good solution. It feels like the same Pepsi we know and love, but it’s more adventurous, more youthful, with a bit more personality to it”.

So, how can Pepsi’s marketing campaign apply to your job search? Here are some reasons why we’re comparing you to a can of soda:

Know thyself – In order to sell more cans of soda, the makers of Pepsi understand that they have to know all about their product and their consumers. In the job market, YOU are the product and your dream company is the customer who is on the hunt for the next big thing. This means–learn how to sell yourself! When an interviewer asks you what qualifications make you an ideal candidate, what do you have to say? Put yourself in the shoes of the interviewer and focus on the needs of the company. Then make sure your interviewer knows that you’ve got what it takes to help their company succeed! Which brings us to our next point…

Celebrate what you’ve got – An interview is basically a conversational sales pitch. How does Pepsi sell their soda? They rave about its good qualities—the way it tastes and makes you feel. So, what unique skills and qualifications can you bring to the table?

Reflect and reinvent – PepsiCo didn’t completely scrap their old logo; they merely tweaked it a little. It was just something familiar and comforting that need to be updated to fit the needs of modern customers. So, if you’re dusting off an old resume, it might be time to inject a little personality into it!

Learn something new – At this point, you might be asking—what new and exciting things can I say about myself? How do you make yourself into a more interesting and competitive candidate? While a can of soda can’t go back to school, YOU certainly can! By getting a college education, you will be able to acquire new skills, pick up some additional knowledge, and have something impressive to put on your resume.

One of the most important lessons that we can learn from companies like PepsiCo is that we can achieve great success by constantly improving ourselves and always striving to be the best. A little personal re-invention can go a long way towards helping you land your dream job!