How to Get Noticed by a Recruiter in the UK’s Competitive Job Market

The current technology labour market is becoming increasingly competitive for job seekers. Findings from the Royal Bank of Scotland’s most recent Report on Jobs indicates that permanent vacancies in technology are declining, whilst demand for candidates also fell sharply from previous months. This suggests the market is moving from a candidate driven marketplace to a jobs driven one.

The evolving situation in the labour market is proving problematic for job seekers; increased competition and reducing vacancies is making it more difficult to find work. If you are currently on the market for a new role or are keen to see what opportunities are out there, it’s important now, more than ever, to work on enhancing your online profile to improve its visibility to recruiters and hiring professionals.

In this blog, we discuss some key strategies to create a standout LinkedIn profile that truly reflects your expertise and capabilities, helping you stand out to recruiters and prospecting employers.

How to stand out on LinkedIn

Job titles: state the obvious

Your job title is the first thing that catches the eye of recruiters, so why by vague? Instead of being just a “Developer” or an “Engineer,” consider tailoring your title to better encapsulate your expertise. For instance, if you specialise in machine learning, your LinkedIn should say “Machine Learning Engineer” to provide a clearer picture of your skills and focus. A more specific job title not only distinguishes you from the crowd but also gives recruiters a quick insight into your specialisation.

Top tip: avoid using inscrutable terms and titles such as “coding unicorn” or “testing ninja” as it is often hard to determine what your role is to recruiters and talent acquisition partners. Keep it obvious to users!

Job descriptions: the devil’s in the details

LinkedIn has an ‘experience’ section on each user profile. A great way to attract recruiters is by listing key tasks and responsibilities under your current occupation. When it comes to detailing your daily tasks and responsibilities, more is indeed better. Don’t shy away from providing a comprehensive overview of what your role entails. A detailed job description not only showcases your proficiency but also helps recruiters understand the depth of your skillset. Be specific about the projects you’ve worked on and the impact you’ve made. This not only sets you apart from your competition, but it also paints a vivid picture of your professional journey.

Boolean search: the power of key words

A common way recruiters find relevant candidates is through conducting a Boolean search. The tool allows recruiters to search through large datasets using keywords. For example, if a recruiter is working on a Product Designer role, they can search for ‘UX’ and ‘UI’, and the Boolean search will then narrow down candidates with the aforementioned skills on their LinkedIn profiles by filtering out people who don’t have the required skills. Therefore, ensuring you include key words on your LinkedIn page is paramount to the visibility of your profile to recruiters. Note down any skills, languages and proficiencies you have acquired that are relevant to your job search.

Skills: the backbone of your profile

The skills section on your page is your opportunity to showcase your expertise, and it’s crucial to make the most of it. Add a mix of general skills, like “Technical Support,” and specific tools and technologies you’ve mastered. Link these skills to the jobs where you’ve honed or applied them, providing a tangible connection between your capabilities and real-world experiences. Remember, quality trumps quantity; focus on skills you possess a solid understanding of, avoid including technologies you’ve only encountered briefly.

Languages: speak the language of opportunity

The language proficiency section is often an underutilised gem in professional LinkedIn profiles. By listing your language skills, you not only make it easier for recruiters to contact you in the right language but also increase your visibility in searches. If you’re fluent in a language that’s relevant to your field or the job market you’re targeting, don’t forget to showcase it. Often, our team work on roles for international companies which may require you to travel, or even liaise with your foreign counterparts. Having your language skills listed could open up exciting opportunities due to your unique skillset.

A thoughtfully curated LinkedIn profile is a powerful tool to optimise your job search. By clearly defining your job titles, providing detailed job descriptions, using key words, highlighting relevant skills, and showcasing your language proficiency, you can elevate your online presence and stand out in a competitive job market.

Speak to the experts

Get advice from the horse’s mouth. Our team of recruiters search through LinkedIn profiles on a daily basis, we know what to look for and how to find it. If you’re currently on the hunt for a new role, contact a member of our team for advice on how to improve your professional online presence.

Your next big career move might be just a click away!