It can be a challenge for job seekers to stand out on LinkedIn, especially if they are concerned about discrimination based on their age or race. Research suggests that age discrimination is on the rise, with 78% of older workers reporting experiencing it in the workplace, according to AARP.
In addition, Black women are 1.5 times more likely to be sent home from work because of their hair, and may feel the need to alter their natural hair to meet social norms. Omitting a profile photo or certain information from a LinkedIn profile can make a job seeker less visible to headhunters and hiring managers, and could result in fewer views and messages.
However, hiding one’s individuality or differentiators may not be sustainable in the long term, as face-to-face interactions through video and onsite interviews are often inevitable. Instead, job seekers can try leaning into their authenticity, such as wearing their hair more naturally or showcasing tattoos or piercings.
Networking can also be an effective way to land a new role, as 80% of people find new jobs through their network and many positions are not posted online. It can be helpful to ask for help from one’s network and to invite people to connect on video calls. Finally, it is important to research and understand a company’s culture and values, and to tailor a job application to align with those values.