How to market yourself beyond a resume

Are you looking for a tech job and feeling the pressure to stand out? You’re not alone. In this article, we dive into practical insights from the event "How to Market Yourself Beyond a Resume," where experts share strategies to help you build a profile that gets noticed.  Whether you're aiming for your first job or your next opportunity, these insights will help you position yourself as the candidate recruiters are looking for.

Use LinkedIn effectively

LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network, offering more than just a platform for job searches. It allows you to build your personal brand, connect with industry leaders, and showcase your expertise. Here’s how to maximise its potential:

1. Create a strong profile:

  • Profile photo: Your LinkedIn profile photo is your first impression. Ensure it's professional, well-lit, and showcases your personality. A friendly, approachable image can make a significant difference.

  • Headline and summary: Your headline doesn’t need to mirror your job title. Use this space to showcase your unique value proposition, such as "Tech Innovator | Blogger | Podcaster." Similarly, your summary should highlight your passion, achievements, and what drives you in your career.

  • Experience and skills: Include all relevant experience, even if it’s not directly related to your desired role. Highlight transferable skills and don’t shy away from adding past jobs that show your growth, even if they’re outside your current field.

2. Engage with your network:

  • Connect smartly: Quality over quantity is key. Connect with people relevant to your industry, including colleagues, professors, and industry leaders. Engage with their content, comment on their posts, and share valuable insights.

  • Showcase your work: Use LinkedIn to share your achievements, whether it’s a project you completed, an event you attended, or a new skill you acquired. This keeps you visible and reinforces your professional brand.

3. Use LinkedIn as a research tool:

  • Before attending events, use LinkedIn to research speakers and attendees. Knowing their backgrounds and interests can help you start meaningful conversations. Following industry hashtags like #cybersecurity or #AI can keep you updated on trends and topics in your field.

     

Leverage extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities are more than hobbies—they're essential for your professional development. Participating in activities outside your formal education or job shows initiative, leadership, and a commitment to personal growth.

  • Develop transferable skills: Extracurricular activities offer opportunities to build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Whether you’re leading a student club or volunteering at a tech event, these experiences are invaluable in any career. They also show potential employers that you’re proactive and willing to go above and beyond.

  • Enhance your resume: Including extracurricular activities on your resume can make you stand out. It shows that you’re well-rounded and can manage your time effectively. Highlight how these activities have helped you develop relevant skills and contributed to your professional growth.

  •  Expand your network: Participating in events and activities exposes you to new people and opportunities. Networking in these settings can lead to job offers, mentorships, and collaborations. Remember, every connection you make has the potential to open doors in the future.

 

Understand what recruiters look for in resumes

Nicola Steel, founder of JJB Dell and Solutions and an IT recruitment expert with over 20 years of experience, offers valuable insights into what recruiters prioritise when reviewing resumes:

  • First impressions matter: Recruiters typically spend about six seconds reviewing a resume before deciding whether to continue. Ensure your resume is well-organised and highlights your key skills and experiences upfront.

  • Tailor your resume: Don’t send out generic resumes. Customise each application by emphasising the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific job.

  • Highlight key skills and achievements: Focus on your accomplishments in each role, using quantifiable metrics where possible. Show how you made an impact. Include a skills section that clearly outlines your technical and soft skills.

  • Keep it simple: A clean, easy-to-read format is essential. Avoid overly complex designs or graphics that might confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS). Use bullet points, clear headings, and consistent formatting.

  • Be proactive: After submitting your resume, follow up with recruiters via LinkedIn or email to express your continued interest in the role. Building a relationship with the recruiter can help keep you top of mind during the hiring process.

     

Conclusion

Marketing yourself beyond a resume means building a personal brand that reflects your skills, passions, and professional network. Whether through LinkedIn, extracurricular activities, or understanding the recruitment process, these elements are crucial in today’s job market.

For more insights, listen to the full event recording. And don't miss out on our upcoming events for more career tips! If you're in Queensland, join us on September 16 for Let's Get Job Ready: Tips to Secure Your First Role in Tech— This event is a fantastic opportunity to network with industry professionals and gain practical advice on launching your tech career.

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