Visibility Without Strategy: Why Your Online Presence Can Cost You Opportunities

                                       

Let me tell you a little story.

I’m not a mentor by title. I don’t run a programme. I don’t brand myself as a career coach. I’ve only formally mentored one person into securing a role, through a University of Greenwich alumni initiative. So no, I’m not here pretending to be an expert.

But today reminded me of something important:

Sometimes, small actions matter.

I got a Facebook notification from my company. They’d posted a beautiful photo of snow outside the office and if you know that location, you know snow there is rare. Naturally, people were liking, and engaging.

I clicked the post.

Then I clicked the comments.

And one comment stopped me in my tracks.

“Do you have internship or volunteering positions available for eager graduates?”

I froze.

Not because the question was wrong, but because of where and how it was asked.

Curiosity got the better of me, so I clicked the profile.

And that’s when the full picture became clear.

The person was Black. African. Nigerian.

From my tribe, I knew instantly, just from the name.

And suddenly, this wasn’t just a comment anymore.

It felt personal.

Visibility Without Strategy Can Backfire

I could see exactly what this person was trying to do.

They wanted visibility.

They wanted opportunity.

They wanted someone, anyone to notice them.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth:

Visibility without strategy can work against you.

If HR saw that comment (and yes, HR absolutely watches company socials), they might click the profile out of curiosity.

And if they did, here’s what they’d find:

• No university listed

• No course of study

• No work experience

• No indication of being UK-based

• A vague “Digital Creator” title

• Photos that suggested the person still lived in Nigeria

Nothing that answered the silent HR questions:

• Who are you?

• What do you do?

• What can you offer?

• Are you even eligible to work here?

And that’s where opportunity quietly disappears, not loudly, not cruelly, but silently.

Not because the person isn’t capable.

Not because they aren’t intelligent.

But because nothing on their profile helps someone say yes.

A Note to International Job Seekers (From One to Another)

This part is important.

If you’re an international person looking for opportunities in the UK or anywhere else, your online presence matters far more than you think.

Your socials are often your first interview.

Before anyone emails you.

Before anyone replies.

Before anyone asks for your CV.

So ask yourself:

• Does my profile show where I am?

• Does it show what I’m studying or working toward?

• Does it show that I understand the environment I’m trying to enter?

Make it easy for someone to say yes to you.

Because when opportunity finally knocks,

you don’t want it hesitating at your profile 

confused about who you are, where you are, or whether it’s worth opening the door.

Happy Monday!

With Love,

Ayo ♥