Recruitment and Hiring
How Software Engineers Can Stand Out To Employers On LinkedIn
In partnership with LinkedIn Amplification Platform, Vulse.
Standing out to potential employers on LinkedIn is crucial during and after Northcoders Bootcamps. We've teamed up with Vulse to provide unique strategies for developers to make a strong impression:
1. Create a Professional Profile
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and professional. Use a high-quality profile picture, a compelling headline, and a detailed summary highlighting your skills, experiences, and career aspirations.
- Profile Picture: Choose a clear, professional headshot.
- Headline: Make it specific to your role and skills, e.g., “Aspiring Software Developer | Python, JavaScript Enthusiast”.
- Summary: Highlight your passion for coding, key projects, and what you bring to potential employers.
2. Showcase Your Projects
List all relevant projects in your experience section. Include descriptions of the technologies used, your role in the project, and the outcomes. Linking to GitHub repositories or live demos can provide tangible proof of your skills.
- Project Details: Explain what the project aimed to solve and your contributions.
- Technologies Used: Mention all programming languages, tools, and frameworks.
- Outcomes: Quantify the results, e.g., “Improved system performance by 20%”.
3. Highlight Relevant Skills
Make sure to list technical skills such as programming languages, frameworks, and tools. Endorsements from colleagues or mentors can enhance credibility.
- Technical Skills: List them in order of proficiency.
- Endorsements: Reach out to peers and mentors for skill endorsements to add credibility.
4. Ask For Recommendations
Request recommendations from instructors, peers, or previous employers. These endorsements can add significant weight to your profile, providing social proof of your abilities.
- Personalised Requests: When asking for recommendations, be specific about what aspects of your work you'd like them to highlight.
- Varied Perspectives: Aim for recommendations that cover different aspects of your skills and character.
5. Engage with Content
Regularly post updates about your learning journey, share interesting articles, and participate in discussions. This activity demonstrates your enthusiasm for the field and helps to build your professional network.
- Content Sharing: Share articles, tutorials, or insights relevant to software development.
- Engagement: Comment on posts by industry leaders and participate in group discussions.
6. Network Strategically
Connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups, and attend virtual events. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable industry insights.
- Connections: Send personalised connection requests explaining why you want to connect.
- Groups: Join LinkedIn groups related to software development and actively participate.
7. Customise Your LinkedIn URL
Create a custom LinkedIn URL to make your profile easier to find and share. This small detail can make a big difference in your personal branding.
- Custom URL: Use your name or a combination of your name and profession, e.g., “linkedin.com/in/janesmith-python-developer”.
8. Leverage LinkedIn Learning
Take advantage of LinkedIn Learning to complete courses and earn certificates in relevant areas. Displaying these certificates on your profile showcases your commitment to continuous learning.
- Course Selection: Choose courses that are highly relevant to your desired job role.
- Showcase Certificates: Add these to your LinkedIn profile under the “Licenses & Certifications” section.
By following these strategies, you can significantly enhance your visibility and attractiveness to potential employers on LinkedIn.
For more information on kickstarting your career in software development, visit Northcoders.
Betty Burrell
Marketing Manager