In the competitive world of tech hiring, entry-level engineers are finding that raw technical prowess is no longer enough to secure coveted positions at top firms. Prashanthi Padmanabhan, LinkedIn’s vice president of engineering, recently emphasized that while coding skills and academic credentials form a solid foundation, they must be complemented by softer attributes to truly differentiate candidates. Drawing from her experience overseeing engineering teams at the professional networking giant, Padmanabhan highlighted the growing importance of demonstrating real-world application through personal projects and interpersonal abilities.

These insights come at a time when the job market for new graduates is increasingly saturated, with AI and automation reshaping entry-level roles. Padmanabhan pointed out that recruiters are looking for evidence of how candidates have applied their knowledge beyond textbooks—think open-source contributions or side hustles that solve practical problems. This shift reflects broader industry trends where companies prioritize hires who can collaborate effectively in dynamic environments.

The Rising Bar for Soft Skills

Soft skills, often dismissed as secondary in engineering circles, are now front and center in hiring decisions. According to a report in Business Insider, Padmanabhan advises aspiring engineers to showcase communication, teamwork, and adaptability on their resumes and during interviews. For instance, she suggests articulating how a group project in college involved navigating conflicts or iterating based on feedback, turning abstract experiences into compelling narratives.

Industry experts echo this sentiment, noting that in an era of remote and hybrid work, the ability to convey complex ideas clearly can make or break a candidate’s prospects. LinkedIn’s own data, as referenced in the same Business Insider piece, shows that profiles highlighting collaborative successes receive more recruiter outreach, underscoring the need for engineers to build a personal brand that transcends code.

Personal Projects as Proof of Potential

Beyond soft skills, personal projects serve as tangible proof of an engineer’s initiative and problem-solving acumen. Padmanabhan recommends that entry-level applicants curate a portfolio of work, such as building apps, contributing to GitHub repositories, or even tinkering with emerging technologies like machine learning models. These endeavors not only demonstrate technical depth but also reveal a candidate’s passion and ability to self-motivate—qualities that are invaluable in fast-paced tech environments.

This approach aligns with advice from other sources, including a Business Insider interview with LinkedIn executive Aneesh Raman, who urges young professionals to embrace AI and continuous learning to stand out. By integrating such projects into LinkedIn profiles, engineers can attract attention from hiring managers scanning for innovative thinkers amid a sea of similar qualifications.

Navigating the AI-Driven Job Market

The integration of AI into engineering roles adds another layer of complexity for newcomers. Padmanabhan warns that technical skills alone “don’t cut it” in 2025, as automation handles routine tasks, leaving humans to focus on creative and strategic contributions. Entry-level engineers should therefore highlight experiences where they’ve leveraged AI tools to enhance projects, showing adaptability to this technological shift.

Complementing this, insights from ZDNET on LinkedIn’s Skills on the Rise report emphasize must-have competencies like AI development and people management, reinforcing Padmanabhan’s call for a well-rounded skill set. For industry insiders, this means rethinking talent pipelines to favor versatile hires over specialists.

Strategies for Building a Standout Profile

To translate these principles into action, engineers should optimize their LinkedIn presence strategically. Padmanabhan suggests using the platform’s features, such as featured sections for projects and endorsements for soft skills, to create a narrative of growth. Regularly engaging with industry content—commenting thoughtfully or sharing insights—can also boost visibility.

Furthermore, as detailed in a Forbes article on LinkedIn’s growth, consistent activity on the platform in 2025 can lead to organic opportunities, with algorithms favoring authentic interactions. This holistic strategy not only helps entry-level engineers land interviews but also positions them for long-term career success in an evolving field.

Implications for Hiring Practices

For companies, these trends signal a need to evolve recruitment processes. LinkedIn itself is adapting by refining its algorithms to surface candidates with diverse skill profiles, as noted in Hootsuite’s analysis of the 2025 LinkedIn algorithm. This could lead to more inclusive hiring, benefiting underrepresented groups in engineering.

Ultimately, Padmanabhan’s guidance serves as a roadmap for aspiring engineers: blend technical expertise with human elements to thrive. As the tech sector continues to innovate, those who heed this advice will likely emerge as the leaders of tomorrow, equipped not just with code, but with the vision to apply it meaningfully.