How to Hack Social Media.…Algorithm
Written by : Govind Pandey
Disclaimer: Success is not guaranteed by social media presence. It complements skills, hard work, and continuous learning.
In today's competitive job market, standing out is more critical than ever. Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter/X have evolved from being mere social spaces to strategic tools for career growth. This blog, inspired by a talk at Point Blank by Ashutosh Pandey and Pratik Singh, delves into how professionals can effectively utilize these platforms to advance their careers.
"Survival of the loudest." – Pratik Singh, 2025
The Numbers Game: Why Visibility Matters
With some job postings attracting 800-1000 applications, competition is fierce. Recruiters often rely on keyword searches to filter potential candidates, making an optimized online presence crucial. Your social media profile acts as your first impression, and how well you present yourself can determine whether you get noticed or not. In such a scenario, having a well-crafted LinkedIn and Twitter presence can be a game-changer.
Why Social Media Matters for Professionals
Social media isn't just about sharing memes or personal updates; it's a powerful tool that can open doors to numerous opportunities. For tech professionals, leveraging these platforms can help in discovering unique job prospects, building a strong professional network, showcasing skills and achievements, and creating visibility within their industry. A strategically built online persona can position you as a thought leader and make recruiters take notice.
Crafting an Impactful LinkedIn Profile
Your LinkedIn profile serves as your digital resume and must be carefully curated to reflect your expertise and professional identity.
Profile Essentials
A strong LinkedIn profile begins with the basics:
- Professional Photo: Choose a clean, high-quality headshot that presents you in a professional yet approachable manner, also try to keep it consistent across all platforms for better recognition.
- Compelling Headline: Your first line should effectively communicate who you are and what you do.
- Complete Profile Sections: Ensure every section is thoroughly filled out, including:
- Experience
- Certifications
- Projects
- Volunteering
- Skills
Having a fully optimised profile increases your chances of appearing in recruiter searches and leaves a lasting impression.
Content Strategy
Posting content on LinkedIn is key to staying relevant and engaging with your network. To make the most impact:
- Aim to post 2-3 times a month, focusing on quality over quantity.
- Share meaningful content such as:
- Professional achievements
- Project insights
- Learning experiences
- Industry observations
- Avoid spammy or irrelevant posts, as they can dilute your professional brand.
Consistency in posting ensures you remain visible to your connections and potential employers.
Maximising Engagement
Engagement is crucial to increasing your reach on LinkedIn. To optimise your visibility:
- Use relevant keywords in your profile and posts to align with industry trends.
- Actively engage with content by commenting and interacting with relevant posts.
- Curate your feed to align with your professional interests and aspirations.
- Strategically tag organisations and individuals to widen your reach.
And don’t forget to not engage with content which is not useful or which you regret having on your feed
Twitter/X: A Different Approach
While LinkedIn is known for its formal and professional tone, Twitter/X offers a more relaxed approach to networking and personal branding. It can be used to connect with like minded people over DMs with ease.
Profile Positioning
On Twitter, professionals can:
- Maintain a casual yet professional tone, balancing authenticity and professionalism.
- Use the platform as a hub for meaningful conversations.
- Connect with like-minded professionals across industries.
- Share thought-provoking content that resonates with their audience.
Posting Tips
Effective engagement on Twitter requires authenticity and creativity:
- Be authentic in your interactions.
- Create posts that spark discussions and encourage participation.
- Offer unique perspectives and insights into your field.
Leveraging Twitter correctly can help establish connections with industry leaders and potential employers.
Key Takeaways
Social media success doesn’t happen overnight, but following these core principles can help:
- Consistency is Key: Regular and meaningful engagement matters more than occasional viral moments.
- Value Creation: Focus on sharing insights that benefit others rather than mere self-promotion.
- Continuous Learning: Use social media to expand knowledge and stay updated with industry trends.
- Authenticity Matters: Genuine interactions help build trust and meaningful connections.
The Ultimate Perspective
While social media is an invaluable tool, it is not a magic solution for career success. Some professionals thrive without it, relying solely on their skills and hard work. However, in today’s interconnected world, having a strategic online presence can accelerate your career growth and open up new opportunities.
Final Wisdom: Your network is your net worth—invest in it wisely.