How Recruiters and Hiring Managers Find You Online

As PhDs and PostDocs looking to transition from academia to industry, it’s critical to understand how your online presence can make or break your career opportunities. Platforms like LinkedIn are where recruiters and hiring managers often head to scout for talent. Here’s a breakdown of how they use online information to find and evaluate jobseekers.

YOUR ONLINE PROFILE MATTERS

First and foremost, your LinkedIn profile is your professional shop front. It’s what hiring professionals review to identify if you might fit their needs. Every section of your profile—whether it’s your summary, job descriptions, or educational background—needs to be clear, concise, and complete. It should be evident at-a-glance what your skills are, what you’ve achieved, and what your professional interests include.

KEYWORDS ARE KEY

Recruiters often start with keyword searches to find potential candidates. These keywords are typically skills and experiences specific to the job they’re trying to fill. For you, that means your profile should include keywords relevant to the industry roles you're targeting. This isn’t about stuffing your profile with buzzwords, but rather making sure that the genuine skills and tools you're proficient in are clearly listed. Focus on integrating these terms naturally into your profile, especially in your skills and experience sections.

TELL YOUR STORY, CLEARLY AND CONCISELY

While your academic credentials are impressive, industry roles often require a different approach. Use your summary and experience sections to connect the dots between your academic experience and what the industry needs. Be direct about how your research, project management, problem-solving or team leadership skills can translate into the business environment. This helps recruiters see you are not just a scholar, but a potential industry leader.

ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT SHOWS PASSION

It's not enough to just have a profile. Active engagement on LinkedIn can significantly boost your visibility. Share articles, comment on posts, or publish your own posts about relevant industry topics. You don’t need to be an influencer, but active online engagement can demonstrate your ongoing interest and knowledge in your new field. It can also provide more information to recruiters who browse these interactions looking for engaged professionals.

ONLINE ETIQUETTE AND ENGAGEMENT

Active engagement on LinkedIn boosts your visibility and demonstrates your passion for your field. However, it’s important to always communicate respectfully and professionally. Recruiters and hiring managers evaluate how you interact with others online. Negative behavior, such as rude comments, overt aggression, or unprofessional posts, can be a significant red flag. Remember, every interaction reflects your personal brand.

NETWORKING OPENS DOORS

Never underestimate the power of connections. Engaging with industry professionals, joining relevant groups, and participating in discussions can lead to opportunities that might not be advertised. Often, jobs are filled through referrals before they ever get posted publicly. The more you network, the more likely your name will come up in the right conversations.

MAKE IT EASY FOR THEM TO FIND YOU

Recruiters and hiring managers are always on the lookout for the best talent, and they increasingly rely on LinkedIn to find it. By ensuring your profile is clear, keyword-optimized, and reflective of your career aspirations, you can actively attract opportunities without passively waiting for them to come to you. Remember, your transition from academia to industry starts with presenting yourself as an attractive candidate both on paper and online.

-Angela Priest, COO, Alma.Me