Every once in a while, our inbox lights up with hiring requests or unsolicited CVs. These emails usually fall into one of two categories: the “I’m incredible, hire me now” type, or—more commonly—a pitch from yet another “SEO expert” from halfway around the globe promising us the Holy Grail of Google rankings (newsflash: who even cares about Google in 2025?).

Now, back to the candidates. Each email comes with the usual assurances: “I’m an expert at this,” “exceptional at that,” “a visionary in everything.” Oddly, nobody ever admits: “I’m good at this one thing but still learning others”—which, frankly, would be far more believable. Intrigued, we sometimes do a bit of digging to see if their claims match reality.

And here’s where it all goes downhill.

The LinkedIn Test: Fail.

Our first stop is LinkedIn, the modern-day calling card. Unfortunately, most profiles we find are either:

  • Empty: No picture, no summary, no job history—just a name floating in the void.
  • Private: Do you expect us to hire you based on a locked profile and a wall of silence?
  • Lackluster: Sure, there’s something there—a job title or two—but no details, no skills, no personality.

Not exactly a winning start.

Personal Website? Blog? Nope.

Next, we search for something—anything—that shows who you are beyond LinkedIn. A personal website? A blog? Some well-thought-out insights into your field? In most cases, we find… nothing. Or, worse, a few links to social media profiles filled with vacation photos, cat memes, and TikTok videos of questionable taste.

Listen, nobody wants to know how many lattes you consumed last week or how cool you looked on that random beach. It’s not inspiring. It’s not professional. And it’s certainly not going to make anyone think, “Yes, this is who I want designing Azure-native solutions or crafting macOS apps for my company.”

Employers Are Searching. Help Them Out.

Here’s the truth: potential employers are curious. They want to know who you are—not just what’s on your CV. And they’re looking for proof of the skills, passion, and expertise you claim to have. When they search for you online, what they find (or don’t find) matters.

Here’s what you can do to stand out:

Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile 

  • Complete it: Add a professional photo, write a compelling headline, and include your work history.
  • Showcase your skills: List the ones that matter in your field, and get endorsements if you can.
  • Be active: Share articles, write posts, comment on industry trends—show you’re engaged.

Create a Personal Website or Blog

Even a simple blog can go a long way. Write about the projects you’ve worked on, the challenges you’ve faced, and the things you’ve learned. Share your thoughts on industry trends. This demonstrates passion, communication skills, and, most importantly, authenticity.

Start a Podcast

You don’t need fancy equipment. Grab your phone, hit record, and talk about your field. Discuss trends, interview peers, or share tips. A podcast is a fantastic way to showcase your expertise—and it’s free to start.

Focus on Relevant Content

Nobody cares about your Facebook posts, Instagram selfies, or TikTok dances—at least not in the context of hiring. Instead, share meaningful content that highlights your professional knowledge and skills.

Stay Visible, Stay Credible

The bottom line is this: if we’re taking the time to search for you, make it worth our while. Show us that you’re not just another name in an inbox but someone with ideas, ambition, and a genuine passion for what you do.

Help Us Find You.

When you send out a CV, remember that you’re asking for a conversation, not just a job. Employers want to know who you are—beyond the generic, over-polished bullet points of your résumé.

So, ask yourself: if someone looked you up right now, would they be impressed? Would they see someone worth calling back?

Because if the answer is no, then… who are you, exactly?

Time to fix that.