In the past, software developers didn’t prioritize employability or personal branding because there was lower demand and less competition in the job market. Traditional interviews focused mainly on technical skills, and there was less emphasis on overall professional image or online presence.

However, in today’s tech-driven world with higher demand for software developers, employability and personal branding have become crucial. Professionals in this field must differentiate themselves to secure attractive positions by developing their personal brand and showcasing their overall professional image, online presence, and effective communication skills. Constantly changing hiring practices now consider these factors alongside technical abilities, which makes it essential for software developers to actively work on building their personal brand in order to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

What is employability?

The first formal definition of employability I ever read was by Dacre, Pool & Sewell in a 2007 article called “The key to employability: developing a practical model of graduate employability.”

They said:

“Employability is having a set of skills, knowledge, understanding and personal attributes that make an individual more likely to choose and secure occupations in which they can be satisfied and successful.”

If you ask me, employability means having certain qualities that make you more likely to find a job you enjoy and do it well. These things include:

• Skills: things you’re good at.
• Knowledge: what you know about different topics.
• Understanding: how well you grasp how things work.
• Personal attributes: qualities or characteristics that make you a good worker.

So, in simple terms, if you have these things, it will be easier to find a job that brings you joy and success. Maybe I’m going a bit further here, but employability is like a measure of how likely someone is to obtain and maintain a desired position.

But wait! If there’s a measure, you might be wondering if I have a formula or equation to calculate it, right? After all, we engineers love putting numbers on everything 🤓.

And yes—we kind of do have a formula for it.

Employability formula

Employability = What you have + How you sell it + How you develop it + Your circumstances

To understand this concept, let’s break it down and explain the four components:

• What you have: This refers to the knowledge, skills, qualifications, and experience an individual possesses. It includes both technical/job-specific skills and transferable skills that can be applied across different roles or industries.
• How you sell it: Selling refers to how effectively an individual communicates and presents their skills and qualifications to potential employers. This includes creating a compelling resume, cover letter, and online profile, as well as demonstrating strong interview skills and networking capabilities.
• How you develop it: Employability is not a static concept but something that requires continuous development. This component emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, professional growth, and staying updated with industry trends. It also involves seeking feedback, improving weaknesses, and acquiring new skills to remain competitive in the job market.
• Your circumstances: This component acknowledges that external factors can influence employability. Things like economic conditions, geographic location, personal circumstances (e.g., family responsibilities), or discrimination can all impact an individual’s ability to secure employment opportunities.

In short, this formula suggests that employability doesn’t depend solely on what an individual has in terms of skills and qualifications, but also on how they market themselves, how they continuously improve, and how they navigate their unique circumstances.

How can I improve my employability?

As we said, we’re engineers and we love to put numbers on everything… so if we analyze the formula above like a mathematical expression, to improve the final result, you need to increase one or more of the components.

So let me explain how to improve the first and last components, and then we’ll use the idea of Personal Branding to improve the other two, which I’ll expand on later in this article.

• To improve the “What you have” component, individuals can focus on acquiring new skills and qualifications relevant to their desired field. This could be through formal education, such as earning a degree or certification, or through self-learning and online courses. Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, or freelance work can enhance the skill set and make them more attractive to employers. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends are also crucial for strengthening the “What you have” side of employability.
• And what about Circumstances? While some external factors that influence employability may be out of an individual’s control, there are steps you can take to mitigate their impact. Exploring job opportunities in different geographic locations or industries with higher demand can increase your chances of securing employment. Building a strong support network of peers and mentors who can provide guidance and assistance during your job search is also beneficial. Moreover, staying adaptable and open to new opportunities can help you navigate challenging circumstances and improve employability.

Let’s talk about personal branding

Even though personal branding is a much broader topic than what I’ll cover here (I’ll write more about it in detail soon), this concept directly helps improve both the “How you sell it” and “How you develop it” components of the Employability formula.

But first: What is “personal branding”? Let me explain it in plain words.

I could quote a definition from personalbrand.com that says:

“A personal brand is a widely-recognized and largely uniform perception or impression of an individual based on their experience, competencies, actions, and/or achievements within a community, industry, or the marketplace at large.”

But I won’t… oops, I just did! Sorry 😅.

So let me put it this way instead: “Personal Branding is the public perception of an individual… or how people see you from the outside.” Better, right?

Now do you see the connection with the components “What you have” and “How you develop it” from the Employability formula?

Boosting personal branding to improve your employability

Here’s a list of tips you can use to define or improve your personal brand and, as a result, increase your employability:

Hey you! Google yourself

Checking your online presence is crucial in today’s digital age. Sometimes employers look up candidates to gather more information about them. By Googling yourself, you can see what’s out there and ensure it aligns with the professional image you want to project. It also gives you a chance to address any negative or irrelevant content that might be holding back your personal brand.

Decide how you want to be perceived

Defining how you want to be perceived is essential to shaping your personal brand. Consider the qualities, skills, and values that make you unique and valuable in the job market. This will guide your actions and communications, helping you align them with your desired image. It will also help you stand out from others and differentiate yourself from competitors.

Create a personal website with your name and standardize your usernames

A simple website with your name as the domain can be an effective way to showcase your personal brand. It gives potential employers a centralized place to find information about you, such as your resume, portfolio, and achievements. Additionally, using a consistent username across all social media and platforms makes it easier for people to find and recognize you online.

Update your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professionals seeking job opportunities. Make sure your profile is updated, accurate, and free of spelling or grammar mistakes. Provide a comprehensive overview of your experience, skills, and accomplishments. A complete LinkedIn profile without gaps increases your credibility and shows potential employers that you pay attention to detail.

Will you provide value as a creator, curator, or connector?

Decide whether you’ll provide value in your industry as a creator (producing original content), a curator (sharing valuable resources), or a connector (facilitating connections between people). Each role has its benefits, so choose one that aligns with your strengths and interests, and that meets the needs of your target audience or industry.

Add value

Every interaction on social media contributes to shaping your personal brand. Whether it’s a tweet, a status update, or a shared photo, make sure it adds value and reflects positively on who you are professionally. Consistently sharing insightful or useful content will enhance your reputation and attract attention from potential employers.

Pick one channel to shine

While it’s tempting to be present on multiple social media channels, it’s more effective to choose one platform where you can truly stand out and focus your efforts there. Whether it’s LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or another platform relevant to your industry or interests, investing your time and energy into mastering one channel will help you build a strong presence and engage better with your target audience.

Learn to write impactful content

Writing impactful content is a valuable skill that can significantly boost your personal brand. Learn to craft compelling messages that resonate with your audience and clearly communicate your expertise or unique perspective. This includes developing concise but catchy headlines, using persuasive language, and ensuring your content is well-structured and error-free.

Be consistent and pace yourself

Consistency is key to building a strong personal brand. Regularly share content, engage meaningfully with others, and maintain an active presence. By consistently delivering value through your actions and communications, you position yourself as a reliable and professional voice in your field.

Engage in communities

Getting involved in communities relevant to your industry or interests can expand your network and increase your visibility with your target audience. Participate in discussions, share valuable ideas or resources, and connect with like-minded people. Actively contributing to communities not only helps build relationships but also positions you as a professional who’s genuinely engaged and passionate about your field.

Conclusion

As Shama Hyder once said:

“The question is no longer IF you have a personal brand, but whether you choose to guide and cultivate the brand—or let it be defined for you.”

The next step is to start shaping and improving it so that the final product conveys exactly what we want, which in turn helps boost our employability.

In conclusion, even though employability and personal branding may not have been major factors in the past for software developers, today’s tech-driven world demands a shift in mindset. With increased competition and reliance on technology, it’s essential for developers to focus on improving their employability by acquiring relevant skills, enhancing their professional image, and staying adaptable to changing circumstances.

Personal branding plays a key role in this process, allowing individuals to differentiate themselves, showcase their expertise, and attract potential employers. By taking proactive steps to improve employability and cultivate a strong personal brand, software developers can position themselves for success in today’s highly competitive job market.

So let’s start taking control of our personal brand—and shaping our employability!