Sheriff Shahen Offers Strategic Job Application Advice Beyond Direct DMs

In a recent LinkedIn post, Sheriff Shahen offers a practical guide for job seekers hoping to join companies like Deel, emphasizing strategic approaches over direct messaging for employment opportunities. Shahen addresses a common frustration: unsolicited direct messages from individuals seeking jobs at his company, Deel, which he states he cannot fulfill.

Instead of simply dismissing these inquiries, Shahen outlines a seven-step process designed to significantly increase a candidate’s chances of success. He begins by highlighting the importance of the formal application process itself, noting:

“Apply directly. Go to deel.com/careers. Find the role. Apply. It sounds obvious. Most people skip it and DM instead. The application is step one. Not the DM.”

This initial point underscores a fundamental misunderstanding Shahen observes among many job seekers – prioritizing a direct plea over the established application channels.

Navigating the Modern Application Landscape

Shahen delves into the nuances of modern hiring practices, particularly the role of Artificial Intelligence in initial candidate screening. He stresses the need for applications to be tailored and data-rich.

Optimizing Your CV for AI and Human Review

According to Sheriff Shahen, a significant hurdle for many applicants is an outdated or generic CV. He advises job seekers to update their resumes meticulously before applying, focusing on keywords directly from the job description and quantifying achievements whenever possible.

“Use keywords from the job description. Be specific about your metrics. ‘Increased pipeline by 40%’ is better than ‘responsible for outbound’,” Shahen writes, illustrating the impact of specific, measurable results.

Leveraging Your LinkedIn Profile

Beyond the CV, Shahen emphasizes the critical role of a candidate’s LinkedIn profile. He points out that recruiters frequently review profiles once a CV lands in their system, making it a crucial touchpoint.

Building Visibility and Genuine Connections

Shahen also advocates for proactive engagement with a company’s content and employees on LinkedIn. He suggests that commenting on posts from company employees and sharing relevant insights can build visibility organically.

“Be visible. Don’t ask for anything. Just show up consistently and add value. The best referrals come from people who already know your name.”

This strategy, in Shahen’s view, cultivates a positive and memorable impression, laying the groundwork for potential referrals. He cautions against immediate requests for referrals, instead advocating for building genuine interactions and relationships before making such an ask.

Demonstrating Value and Initiative

A core theme in Shahen’s advice is the need for candidates to demonstrate a clear understanding of the company and the specific role they are applying for. He encourages thorough research into the team, product, and market.

Crafting a Compelling Case for Fit

Shahen argues that candidates must articulate why they are specifically a good fit for the role, rather than relying on generic reasons.

“Research the team. Research the product. Research the market. Come with a point of view on why you’d be great in that specific role. ‘I want to work at Deel because it’s fully remote’ won’t cut it.”

Furthermore, Shahen suggests that creating original content related to one’s area of expertise can be a powerful differentiator. He believes that demonstrating initiative and communication skills through content creation makes a candidate more memorable than a high volume of applications.

“A candidate with 5 posts showing their thinking stands out more than 50 applications,” Shahen states, highlighting the value of thought leadership and consistent engagement.

Ultimately, Sheriff Shahen concludes that successful referrals stem from established relationships and trust. He reiterates that personal knowledge of a candidate’s work and character is paramount for anyone making a referral, advocating for a long-term strategy of building value and demonstrating worth.