Preparing for your future job search: Part 2 – Build a presence online and start conversations

In Part 1 of this blog, we focused on building a strong foundation by identifying your skills, exploring upskilling opportunities and staying engaged through experience. The next step is to make that foundation visible.

Periods of transition can still feel uncertain, but they also provide the space to start shaping how you present yourself professionally. Even if you’re not applying for roles yet, building your presence and connecting with others can open doors when the time is right.

Build your online presence

Your online presence is often the first impression employers and recruiters have of you, sometimes before you’ve even applied for a role. In particular, LinkedIn has become a central hub for professional identity. Creating a complete, up‑to‑date profile helps you stay visible in your industry and ensures that opportunities can find you, even while your main focus is elsewhere.

A polished LinkedIn profile doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with the basics: a clear photo, a headline that reflects your interests or field, and a short summary that captures who you are and what you’re working toward. List your education, experience and skills in a way that’s concise but meaningful. If you don’t have a professional headshot, don’t let that stop you — a simple photo taken by a friend against a plain background works perfectly well.

Once your profile is set up, begin connecting with people you know, such as classmates, former colleagues, mentors, or people you’ve collaborated with. Follow companies that interest you and engage with posts that align with your goals. These small actions gradually build a network that will support you when you’re ready to re‑enter the job market.

Beyond LinkedIn, consider setting up profiles on job platforms like Seek. Even if you’re not applying yet, having a searchable candidate profile and an uploaded resume — if you have one — means you’re discoverable. And if your field has industry‑specific platforms, such as Behance for creatives, GitHub for developers or ResearchGate for researchers, this is a great time to curate your work and showcase your strengths.

Research potential employers

If you already have a sense of the field you want to work in, use this time to explore it more deeply. Start by identifying organisations that interest you. Follow them on LinkedIn, read through their websites, subscribe to their newsletters and pay attention to the roles they advertise. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns in the skills they look for, the language they use, the values they emphasise.

This kind of quiet research helps you understand company culture and industry expectations long before you submit an application. It also means that when you do start applying, you’ll be far more informed and confident.

Begin networking

Networking doesn’t have to be formal or intimidating. It can be as simple as attending a webinar, joining a professional association, or reconnecting with people from your university or previous workplaces. Engaging in LinkedIn discussions or reaching out to coaches, recruiters or someone for an informal conversation about their role can give you valuable insights into industry trends and hiring practices.

Building relationships early, without the pressure of needing a job immediately, often leads to more genuine, helpful connections.

Start today and reap the benefits

You don’t need to approach this all at once or feel pressure to be constantly active. Simple, consistent actions, whether it’s refining your profile, researching organisations or starting conversations, can build momentum over time.

By the time you’re ready to apply, you won’t be starting from scratch. You’ll have a clear presence, stronger connections and a deeper understanding of where you want to go, putting you in a confident position to take the next step.

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