3 leadership strategies to build visibility ahead of a job search

Looking back now, it’s easy to point out what I would have done differently during my post-college graduation job search. And although those mistakes have provided me with valuable insights along the way, I think it’s worth sharing what I wish I knew – or rather – what I wish I did. 

A lot of it boils down to my lack of action. While I spent hours perfecting my resume and wrote thoughtful, personalized cover letters, there was little else to distinguish me from other applicants that HR officers and hiring managers were reviewing. But instead of accepting this fact, hoping that the right future boss would find me, I could and should have done so much more for myself by building visibility. 

I don’t know if you’ve seen that meme where you need eight to ten years of experience for an entry-level job, but I always found them hilarious (partly because they are true). We know that experience matters because a potential employer wants to see that you can perform the job you’re applying for, but listing out those experiences in a bulleted resume isn’t enough. 

If you want to make an impression, you’ve got to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. While that might be easier said than done, here are a few creative strategies that will help you build visibility ahead of a job search.

1. Control how people see you

A big part of our success depends on how people perceive us. And if we are to be judged by how we present ourselves, why not take matters into our own hands and create an image that will present us just how we’d like to be seen? This is called personal branding and is an integral ingredient of your future success. 

Think about it, all of us have a personal brand whether we take care of it or not. The way you dress, speak, and what you post online says volumes about you. So the first thing you need to do is identify what potential employers are looking for so that you can determine the profile of their dream employee. Do a deep dive on their website and social media profiles to get a better understanding of who they are. Then – if it feels authentic and aligns with your values and what you want in a job – weave their language and the duties of the job posting into your online presence. 

And of course, you need to make sure your social media profiles are clean. Recruiters can and do check.

2. Build a personal website

Having a personal website is where you can show just what you are made of, without the strict templates that social media accounts provide. Beyond the creative benefits they afford, it’s a chance to show a future employer that you are willing to go a step further to achieve your goals, and it will inherently put your digital skills on display. 

A personal website can make things easier for the recruiter, too. As long as your site is easy to find – which it should be if you make the URL your name – a recruiter can easily land at a one-stop-shop to get to know you (use your “About Me” page to tell your story beyond the resume), see your portfolio, and find your contact and social media information. 

Your website is your online home, so make sure it represents you in the best way possible.

3. Create content that speaks of your expertise

Now that you have an idea of what employers are looking for and you have created your personal website, it is time to show the world just how awesome you are. Create a webpage that you’ll devote to think pieces or a portfolio for past projects – and what you’ve learned from them. And since you have the freedom of using a personal website, be sure to choose the format that works best for the project – no need to stick to a traditional CV format.

Taking action and demonstrating – rather than just listing out – your knowledge is the key to standing out in a crowded job search. By taking the time to think through what makes you unique and valuable, and then getting creative about how to present yourself to the world, you can play a more active role in your job search. 

Next time you apply for a job position, you’ll stand out, I promise.

— Article by Tijana Ostojić, a Freelance and Career Building Expert at Domain.ME, the international tech company that operates the internet domain “.ME”, and encourages students to place emphasis on ways they can stand out in the recruitment process by focusing on their online presence.