How to be Noticed in the Eyes of Online Recruiters

Today, having the Internet as the tool for getting hired is both good and bad. It’s easy to lose yourself in a multitude of social networks, professional forums and groups. As everything else, recruitment went global. This means you’re competing with hundreds and thousands of candidates.

Knowing this fact can make you feel small. Candidates from all walks of life are competing for the same recruiter attention. Some might be as good as you, some might be better, but here’s the simple truth. It’s not a numbers game. Instead, it’s a game of branding. If you don’t know how to stand out from the crowd, you’ll most likely be a drop in a sea of competitors.

This is why your personal brand is the best asset you have. No matter how talented or good you are at something, if no one notices you, it doesn’t matter. We live in a social world, and thankfully, it’s easier than ever to leverage online tools to do the work for you.

Knowledge is meaningless if you don’t know how to use it. We are constantly bombarded with information from people who want to be the first at something, while ignoring the fact that actually knowing how to apply the knowledge they have is the key to being recognized.

Infobip is a global company, with more than 50 offices across 6 continents. Here is what we’ve learned from recruiting top global talent summed up into easy-to-follow tips.

Update your profile. Be it LinkedIn, Stack Overflow or even your personal website, make sure your information is up to date. It might sound simple but most people don’t actually do this. A professional picture goes a long way, too. The rule of thumb is that you do it once a month. Regularly check if people are finding and engaging with you across various social platforms.

Share relevant information. Remember the part about knowledge? The information on your profile should be in line with your current experience and future plans. Be specific and define your goals and aspirations. If the “language” on your profile is right, the profile itself will be much more engaging.

Be honest about yourself. Your brand should represent your personal values. You know best what you stand for and how you want to be perceived. Find a creative and professional way to convey that message.

Don’t brag. Be objective. Know your strengths and values, but recognize your weaknesses. Clearly but professionally mention your achievements; no one likes bragging. Be objective, don’t fall into the trap of trying to hide something. Don’t underestimate a competence just because you don’t possess it. Most things can be learned and developed, and we recruiters love honesty.

Expand and engage with your network. Join groups and boards, add people and search for people you already know. Share a relevant article, participate in discussions, but be constructive. See what your network is talking about. Be present and open.

Know how to use the tools at your disposal. Most users don’t actually use all the features of their preferred social network or site. Take time to read the tips and go through the free courses most of them offer. Here are some great articles about LinkedIn and Xing. Most other platforms offer these as well.

Leverage your knowledge. If you have a specialty or are focusing on something, try to create original content about it. Offer help, advice and find a way to share your expertise and motivation. Writing articles for relevant blogs is a great way to start. If you prefer talking to the audience personally, LinkedIn powers everyone with the ability to publish and engage. On the other hand if you like working on something with a clear results a good idea is to participate in online competitions or posting on technology forums.

Be polite and respectful. Sounds straightforward, yes, but having Internet as your shelter and the safety of thousands of miles between you and people you’re conversing with online can sometimes bring out our nasty side. Being polite and remaining professional in these moments means a lot, so does common curtesy. Don’t bother recruiters with unnecessary emails or calls. Respect the agreed-upon deadlines.

Follow relevant sources. Following relevant sources and building up on your knowledge is a great way to get noticed by recruiters and decision makers from your field of interest. One example would be following influencers on LinkedIn which are important to you or relevant blogs which you can share and comment on.

Show your interest for the position. Recruiters like to see that you have read and understood the job opening which you are applying for. When making an application, make your message, cover letter and CV specific for that opening. Describe and list your relevant experience, show that you spent some quality time working on your application. Prepare for a possible Skype or phone call and do your research on the company.

PS You can find a great article about our screening process right here.