How to stand out in a crowded Salesforce job market

It's a challenging time in the Salesforce job market, and whether you're just starting out or looking to make a strategic career move, competition is high. Recently, a group of industry experts joined me for a DevOps Launchpad Live webinar to share their insights on how to stand out in this ever-evolving field. They shared some fantastic tips on networking, skills development, and how to position yourself as the ideal candidate. Here's a summary of their advice for those looking for a new role in the Salesforce ecosystem.

Leverage your network

“Your network is everything,” says former Salesforce MVP Amy Oplinger Singh, emphasizing the power of relationships. When you’re thinking about a new role, she suggests reaching out to former colleagues, attending community events, and connecting with others in the Salesforce ecosystem on LinkedIn. Networking is about more than just collecting contacts – it’s about nurturing meaningful connections that can help you gain visibility and access to potential roles that may not be widely advertised. As Amy reminded us, direct referrals from your network can make all the difference in landing an interview.

Take action: Start conversations on LinkedIn by commenting on posts related to Salesforce topics, engaging with others in group conversations, and sharing your unique perspectives to build your professional reputation in the Salesforce community.

Showcase your “human skills”

In the Salesforce ecosystem, like many others, technical skills alone are rarely enough to secure the most coveted roles. “Companies are looking for candidates who have strong human skills – for example empathy, communication, and adaptability,” says Sarah Metcalfe, Chief Happiness Officer and career coach. These qualities are especially valuable for Salesforce professionals, as roles often demand cross-functional collaboration with different departments. Demonstrating that you can communicate well, manage stress, and connect with others can set you apart from candidates who share similar technical qualifications.

Take action: Highlight these human skills in your resume and during interviews by sharing stories with tangible examples that showcase your ability to handle challenges, adapt to new roles, and work with diverse teams.

Specialize!

With Salesforce rapidly expanding into new areas like AI, Data Cloud, and DevOps, companies are increasingly on the lookout for specialists. Matt Pieper, Director of Engineering, emphasizes the value of specialization, noting that “it's no longer enough to be a generalist admin”. Developing niche expertise in fields like Salesforce DevOps, automation, or data integration could be the difference that helps you stand out. As Salesforce teams continue to adopt more specialized solutions and processes, those who have developed relevant expertise are becoming highly sought after.

Take action: Consider certifications or training courses in emerging Salesforce technologies. Specializing in a high-demand area within Salesforce can position you as a unique asset to companies looking for targeted skills. If you're looking to upskill in Salesforce DevOps, we have plenty of free certifications available on DevOps Launchpad!

Craft a unique online presence

With so much information now available online, hiring managers frequently review candidates' online profiles before making a final decision. Stephanie Herrera, a recruitment expert and Salesforce MVP, stresses the importance of a polished and engaging LinkedIn profile, especially in a network-driven ecosystem like Salesforce. She echoes Amy's tips above including posting thought leadership, engaging with others' content, and joining Salesforce-focused groups. This not only helps you leverage your network, but can also enhance your standing with hiring managers. "Your online presence shows recruiters and hiring managers not just what you do, but who you are".

Take action: Update your LinkedIn profile so that it reflects your specific Salesforce expertise, share specific insights from projects you’ve worked on, and make sure you take the opportunity to connect with Salesforce community members and leaders.

Realize that certifications aren’t everything

While certifications and badges certainly enhance your Salesforce profile, they're not the only indicator of value. Employers rarely underestimate the value of practical experience and problem-solving abilities alongside any extensive list of credentials. Sarah Metcalfe particularly advises jobseekers to focus on how they've used their skills alongside certifications to make a positive impact.

Take action: When interviewing, share examples of how you’ve applied your Salesforce expertise to drive results – such as increasing the efficiency of a sales process or optimizing a customer support function. Quantifying these achievements and being specific can leave a lasting positive impression on hiring managers.

Don’t sell yourself short

And finally, don't fall at the first hurdle! A crucial part of any job hunt is deciding which jobs you should apply for. According to Matt Pieper, if you meet even 50% of the requirements for a job, it's often worth applying anyway. "Hiring managers understand that finding a perfect match is rare," he explains. Showing that you have a willingness to learn and adapt can sometimes outweigh a list of even "essential" job qualifications, so don't be afraid to push outside your comfort zone!

Take action: Apply strategically to roles where you can demonstrate most of the required skills and express your enthusiasm to learn the rest. You could also follow up with a personalized email or LinkedIn message to the hiring manager, which could help you stand out where there are a high number of applicants.

Good luck!

Standing out in the ever-competitive Salesforce job market requires a blend of strong technical skills, soft skills, and a proactive networking strategy. By focusing on building meaningful connections, specializing in niche areas, and creating an online presence that showcases both your expertise and personality, you can position yourself as a standout candidate.

Don’t forget to make the most of available resources – DevOps Launchpad is packed with certifications and content that could boost your CV or highlight new areas for your job search. Whatever route you choose, with these tips you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the Salesforce job market with confidence and make a lasting impression on potential employers. Good luck on your journey!