Building an Online Presence for Engineering Networking

I constantly get recruiter reachouts from big tech companies and top AI startups- even when I’m not actively job hunting or listed as “Open to Work.” That’s because over the years, I’ve consciously put in the effort to build a clear and consistent presence on LinkedIn- one that reflects what I do, what I care about, and the kind of work I want to be known for. And the best part? It’s something anyone can do- with the right strategy and a bit of consistency. If you’re tired of applying to dozens of jobs with no reply, here are 5 powerful LinkedIn upgrades that will make recruiters come to you: 1. Quietly activate “Open to Work” Even if you’re not searching, turning this on boosts your visibility in recruiter filters. → Turn it on under your profile → “Open to” → “Finding a new job” → Choose “Recruiters only” visibility → Specify target titles and locations clearly (e.g., “Machine Learning Engineer – Computer Vision, Remote”) Why it works: Recruiters rely on this filter to find passive yet qualified candidates. 2. Treat your headline like SEO + your elevator pitch Your headline is key real estate- use it to clearly communicate role, expertise, and value. Weak example: “Software Developer at XYZ Company” → Generic and not searchable. Strong example: “ML Engineer | Computer Vision for Autonomous Systems | PyTorch, TensorRT Specialist” → Role: ML Engineer → Niche: computer vision in autonomous systems → Tools: PyTorch, TensorRT This structure reflects best practices from experts who recommend combining role, specialization, technical skills, and context to stand out. 3. Upgrade your visuals to build trust → Use a crisp headshot: natural light, simple background, friendly expression → Add a banner that reinforces your brand: you working, speaking, or a tagline with tools/logos Why it works: Clean visuals increase profile views and instantly project credibility. 4. Rewrite your “About” section as a human story Skip the bullet list, tell a narrative in three parts: → Intro: “I’m an ML engineer specializing in computer vision models for autonomous systems.” → Expertise: “I build end‑to‑end pipelines using PyTorch and TensorRT, optimizing real‑time inference for edge deployment.” → Motivation: “I’m passionate about enabling safer autonomy through efficient vision AI, let’s connect if you’re building in that space.” Why it works: Authentic storytelling creates memorability and emotional resonance . 5. Be the advocate for your work Make your profile act like a portfolio, not just a resume. → Under each role, add 2–4 bullet points with measurable outcomes and tools (e.g., “Reduced inference latency by 35% using INT8 quantization in TensorRT”) → In the Featured section, highlight demos, whitepapers, GitHub repos, or tech talks Give yourself five intentional profile upgrades this week. Then sit back and watch recruiters start reaching you, even in today’s competitive market.

I talk to dozens of engineers every week. Often, they aren’t the right fit for my current clients, but I still want to help them land their next role. And the biggest difference-maker I’ve seen? Optimizing your LinkedIn profile. Here’s how to make sure recruiters and hiring managers can actually find you: 1. Speak the Language of Your Industry: --> Every role has its own lingo and keywords. Figure out what those are for your target industry (scan job postings for inspiration), then sprinkle them throughout your headline, summary, and experience sections. Recruiters search by keywords. If they aren’t in your profile, you’re invisible. 2. Show Business Impact, Not Just Tasks: --> Think of your LinkedIn as your online resume. Don’t just say what you did, show the impact you had. - Increased efficiency by X% - Reduced costs by $Y - Helped team ship Z weeks faster Numbers and results catch eyes. 3. Make Your Summary Human: --> Yes, you need to show your skills and experience. But also add something personal and approachable. Maybe it’s a volunteer project, a passion outside of work, or a community you’re part of. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard: “We connected over something outside of work.” 4. Don’t Overlook the “Low-Hanging Fruit” --> Networking and events are powerful, but the simplest first step? A well-optimized profile. Highlight real work experience, include the right keywords, and clearly show how you’ve made every company you’ve worked at better. Your LinkedIn should work for you, even when you’re not actively applying.