Having a strong online presence is helpful for landing just about any job these days. If you’re hoping to get a remote job in the tech industry, it’s absolutely critical. A brand isn’t just for businesses anymore—it can also help build your credibility in the tech industry and get you hired.
Remote work requires a high level of comfort with using a range of technology tools. In the tech industry, you’ll be expected to navigate different applications with ease in addition to meeting expectations in the work you were hired to do. Building your online presence will show that you’re tech-savvy and understand how the industry works.
These days, 93% of employers use LinkedIn to find potential job candidates, and it’s important to have a profile that will make employers want to learn more. So, how can you set up your online presence to stand out in the right way? Here are some tips for a strong profile.
Do a Search for Yourself
The first step in maximizing your online presence for a remote job search is to find out what’s already out there. If you haven’t done a search on yourself in a while, now’s the time. Search different combinations of your name and location, and take note of what comes up.
If you find anything that you wouldn’t want an employer to see, you can try reaching out to the website or individual and ask them to take it down. While you’re going through this process, it can be worthwhile to set up an alert for your name, so you’ll be notified whenever you are mentioned online.
Consider a Website
Depending on the type of job you’re in the market for, it can be worthwhile to create a personal website. You can use it to showcase your work in a portfolio, provide testimonials or references, and help build your professional image.
Use the Right Photo for Your Job Search
We start making assumptions about people right away, so it’s important to make a good impression. Your professional headshot picture will set the tone for your profile and online presence. Make it count!
If you can, it’s best to pay for a professional photo session. If not, at least make sure the photo is high-quality and taken in good lighting. Wear something professional, even if you’ll never have to set foot in an office for your next tech job.
Catch Employers’ Interest with a Strong Bio
Think of your bio as your personal “elevator pitch.” You don’t have much space to work with, so you have to make sure that every word counts.
When you’re writing your bio, cater to what employers want. Look through job postings and identify themes: what skills are tech companies looking for in hiring for your dream job? Sprinkling some of those common words and phrases can help you land an interview.
Your bio is also a great place to showcase a bit of your personality. Remember, your bio could be what causes a recruiter to click on your profile in the first place!
Make it Easy for People to Contact You
On LinkedIn, it’s pretty easy for people to contact you. However, it’s still a good idea to provide access to your email address on your profiles and website (if you have one). Some people even set up an automated calendar for those who want to easily set up a quick chat!
Network with Professional Groups
Networking is one of the best ways to land a remote job. Employers are typically more likely to hire someone from a recommendation or personal connection because it’s easier and involves less risk. By joining online professional groups relating to tech, you can start building your professional network and making connections that could lead to a great job.
Keep the Personal, Personal
As individuals, our online lives naturally vary based on the platform. On LinkedIn, for example, the focus is professional connections and accomplishments. On Instagram and Facebook, however, it’s usually more personal.
Although you might not care if your friends and family know about your weekend shenanigans, prospective employers don’t need to see those pictures. Stay up to date on the privacy controls for each platform you use, and make sure you’re not making anything public that you wouldn’t want a boss to see.
Remember that nothing you put online is truly private, so be careful about what you post, even on your personal accounts. With that said, there’s nothing wrong with posting about your hobbies, activities, and friends, and it can make you look more authentic to employers. Just keep it family-friendly!
When thinking about your online presence, it’s important to think about the kind of image you want to project. It’s very easy to do a Google search and find tons of information on most people, so make sure what they can find online puts you in the best possible light.
Keep Your Profile Up to Date
After you’ve optimized your online presence, you can go on with your job search, knowing that any potential employers will get a good first impression of you. However, it’s important to keep your online presence relevant by updating your profiles and/or website frequently. Put it on the calendar to ensure you don’t forget!
You should also post and engage frequently. A strong online presence requires regular interaction!
A Great Online Profile Will Help You Get Attention
Legitimate remote jobs are in high demand among job-seekers. Getting employers to notice you can be a challenge, especially when it comes to remote work. Since people can apply from just about anywhere, there can be a lot of competition for open positions, and you have to be able to cut through the noise to grab an employer’s attention.
A great online profile will help you get the right kind of attention and boost your ability to network effectively. If you put some effort into creating an appealing online presence, you’ll be one big step closer to landing the remote tech job of your dreams!
