LinkedIn might seem like the go-to place for job seekers, but not everyone agrees, especially in tech. Michael Novati, who spent nearly eight years at Meta (formerly Facebook), claims that the best engineers often steer clear of the platform. On the podcast “A Life Engineered,” he explained that top engineers prefer not to showcase their accomplishments online, citing a fear that having a LinkedIn profile suggests they’re looking for new jobs.
These elite engineers thrive in a unique recruiting environment. Novati described it as filled with “secrets of the industry.” He highlighted how senior recruiters build long-term relationships with top talent, often through informal meetups and campus recruiting. For instance, an engineer may connect with a recruiter over a week spent at Stanford, leading to opportunities that stay off the radar.
These professionals are not just any engineers; they’re the ones companies like Meta actively seek. As Novati pointed out, the best engineers don’t feel the need to promote themselves with flashy headlines or hashtags. They might be referred to as “the $100 million engineer,” yet they remain anonymous on platforms like LinkedIn.
This behind-the-scenes recruiting has become even more competitive, particularly in the rapidly evolving AI field. For example, Meta has aggressively pursued top talent for its Superintelligence Labs by making lucrative offers to engineers from rival companies. Reports indicate that even high-profile CEOs, like Mark Zuckerberg, have taken an active role in this hunt for talent, creating lists of must-have engineers to approach.
However, it’s important to note that Novati doesn’t suggest that going offline is the best strategy for everyone. He clarified that while top engineers may have a different story, most job seekers still benefit from maintaining an online presence. It’s essential for less-established professionals to network and showcase their skills.
In a world where tech talent is at a premium, having a solid online presence can help many advance their careers. Thus, while elite engineers may remain out of sight, the importance of personal branding is still very much alive in the broader job market.
As hiring dynamics shift, understanding the nuances of the tech recruitment process remains crucial. For recruiters and job seekers alike, knowing how to navigate this landscape can make a significant difference.
For more insights into the tech hiring landscape, you might want to check recent reports from LinkedIn Talent Solutions or Harvard Business Review.
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