It’s no secret that with the current economic unknowns many companies are turning towards offshore talent to keep costs low.
By taking advantage of the lower costs of living in many areas, companies can pay offshore contractors a fraction of what they would pay an employee based in the Western world.
The blazing question is: How do I stand out against such competition?
And because I’m annoying, I’ll answer that question with another question:
Why should companies hire YOU for up to 4x the cost of an offshore contractor?
In this post I’m going to teach you how to stand out to your favorite companies and give yourself that edge they may not find across the sea.
1. Build a Personal Brand
Building a strong personal brand is crucial for jobseekers in today's digital age.
Recruiters and hiring managers search for potential candidates online, so that’s where you need to showcase your skills, experience, industry knowledge, and personality.
At the very least you need a LinkedIn profile that highlights your professional achievements and work experience (and don’t forget the skills section).
If you have a portfolio you need a website to show off your work. Of course if you’re in tech, you’re going to need a GitHub/Tableau etc. showcasing your projects.
Having an active Twitter is just bonus points (I think I have like 11 Twitter followers, so I know, it’s hard to be all over multiple platforms).
In the past I would include Facebook, but I think that one is pretty 💀.
When building your LinkedIn profile you have to ensure that the information is up-to-date, accurate, and professional. You need a complete profile that matches the information in your resume, otherwise you might look a little 🤔 sketchy.
Post, comment, comment, and comment some more. It can be exhausting, but the only way to gain traction on LinkedIn and Twitter is by posting, commenting, reacting, networking, and building relationships.
Commenting > posting, so don’t worry if you aren’t sure what to post about yet. Commenting is the bread and butter of these platforms. Attend live and audio events - you’ll learn something new and you might meet some really great people in the comment section!
2. Highlight Relevant Experience
Highlighting relevant experience is a must for standing out against offshore talent. You need to clearly demonstrate your experience and how it relates to the job you are applying for.
To do this, carefully read the job description and use keywords and phrases that are relevant to the role. Tweak your resume for each job application to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. Don’t go overboard with this or else you’ll drive yourself insane.
You should also showcase your achievements and accomplishments to show potential employers what you’ve actually done before. This can include awards, certifications, and notable projects you’ve accomplished.
3. Show Your Personality
While skills and experience are important, companies also look for candidates who are a good fit for the company culture. Showing your personality will dramatically help you stand out from offshore talent.
During interviews, demonstrate your passion, enthusiasm, and personality. Be authentic and show that you're a good fit for the company culture.
Start by researching the company culture and values. This will help you understand what the company is looking for in a candidate. During interviews, be engaging and ask questions to show your interest in the company and the role. Be enthusiastic and show your passion for the industry and the work you will be doing.
Hint: Use your LinkedIn profile to show your personality and industry knowledge BEFORE you even talk to anyone! This can lead to inbound inquiries from recruiters or hiring managers.
4. Be Proactive
You need to be proactive to stand out against offshore talent. Don’t just apply for jobs and wait for a response. Instead follow up with recruiters or hiring managers after submitting an application, and ask for feedback if you don't get the job (some companies don’t allow feedback for liability reasons, so don’t push on this one).
You should also join professional organizations and attend networking events and webinars to meet people in your industry. Building relationships with recruiters and hiring managers can help you stay top of mind when job openings become available.
In addition to being proactive, you should also be open to different types of work. This may include contract work, or part-time work. With the current economy we’re seeing an uptick in this type of work and you may be severely limiting yourself by not being open to these options.
5. Continuous Improvement
Continuous learning and improvement are essential for jobseekers to stay competitive. You should keep up with the latest trends and technologies in your industry and invest in your professional development.
This can include attending conferences, taking courses, and participating in webinars to expand your knowledge and skills. You may also want to seek out mentors who can help you develop skills and offer guidance on your career path.
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