Recruitment and Hiring

How Software Engineers Can Stand Out To Employers On LinkedIn

Female programmers working on a coding projectPreview: Female programmers working on a coding project

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.

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.