How to stand out in a crowded, candidate-heavy EdTech job market

The EdTech market is competitive, noisy and full of brilliant people chasing the same roles. If you’re applying and hearing nothing back, you’re not alone. The good news: there are ways to stand out. And none of them rely on luck.

Here’s what actually makes a difference.

Start with your CV… but don’t stop there

Your CV still matters, but it’s only one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Think of it as step one rather than the whole job search.

A strong EdTech CV should:
• Be tailored to each job description
• Use relevant keywords that ATS systems can recognise
• Highlight impact, not tasks
• Show measurable wins
• Avoid clutter, graphics and long paragraphs
• Be easy for both a human and a machine to scan

If your CV isn’t getting you interviews, it’s usually because it’s not clear enough, specific enough or relevant enough to the role you’re targeting.

But here’s the part most candidates miss:

A great CV won’t save you if the rest of your job search strategy is weak.

Optimise your LinkedIn so people can actually find you

LinkedIn isn’t a digital business card. It’s a search engine. Recruiters and hiring managers use it to look for specific skills and job titles. If your profile isn’t optimised, you’ll never show up.

Make sure you:
• Add a clear, professional photo
• Use a banner that reflects the EdTech space
• Write a headline that shows your niche and value
• Include keywords related to your target roles
• Fill out your Experience section with outcomes
• Collect a few strong recommendations
• Engage with posts in your sector
• Follow companies you want to work for

This builds visibility, which leads to conversations, which leads to interviews.

Human connections matter more than applications

If you only apply online, you’re competing with hundreds of people.
If you build relationships, you’re competing with far fewer.

Your network is your job-search superpower.

Try this:
• Attend EdTech meetups, community events and conferences
• Join virtual roundtables and webinars
• Reach out to people doing jobs you want
• Ask them what skills matter most in their team
• Get curious about their career path
• Follow up after conversations
• Keep the relationship warm

Most opportunities in this sector come through people, not portals.

Reach out to recruiters who specialise in EdTech

Generic recruiters don’t understand the nuances of the EdTech market.
EdTech-focused recruiters do.

We:
• Know what employers are prioritising
• See the hiring trends early
• Understand what “good” looks like beyond the job description
• Help you position yourself properly
• Can keep you front of mind for upcoming roles

If you’re not already connected with recruiters in this space, make that part of your weekly routine.

Find a coach and find your “job-search buddies”

Job searching can be lonely. It’s also very easy to lose momentum. Having the right people around you changes everything.

A coach or mentor can help you:
• Position yourself clearly
• Avoid common mistakes
• Prepare for interviews
• Build a structured strategy
• Stay accountable
• See blind spots you can’t see yourself

Job-search buddies are equally valuable.
They:
• Keep you motivated
• Send roles your way
• Help you practice your pitch
• Celebrate your wins
• Remind you you’re not doing this alone

In a crowded market, support is a competitive advantage.

Your job search isn’t just “CV → applications → pray”

Other steps matter just as much:
• Reaching out to people in the sector
• Commenting and engaging on LinkedIn
• Sharing small pieces of content or insight
• Following EdTech founders and hiring managers
• Staying visible and active in the community
• Creating your own narrative rather than waiting for a job description to validate you

These steps build your reputation—and that’s what cuts through the noise.

Need support with your job search? I’d love to help.

If you want a quick reset, clarity or a brutally honest review of your positioning, I offer:

1. A one-hour LinkedIn + CV audit session

We go through what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change immediately to get you seen.

2. A two-month job search support programme

Six hours of coaching, a personalised job-search roadmap and ongoing access to me as your sounding board throughout the process. Ideal if you want structure, accountability and real momentum.

If either sounds helpful, you can book a free 30-minute chat to see how we can work together.

Just reply or book directly here.

You don't need to navigate this market alone.
And with the right strategy, you’ll stand out far more than you think.

FAQs: Standing Out in the EdTech Job Market

1. Why is the EdTech job market so competitive right now?

Budgets have tightened, hiring cycles have slowed, and more people are transitioning from education into EdTech. That means more strong candidates for fewer roles. The good news is that most candidates rely only on applications, which gives you an advantage if you take a more strategic approach.

2. How important is my CV compared to other parts of the job search?

Your CV matters, but it’s only one step. Think of it as an entry ticket, not the whole show. Employers also look at your LinkedIn profile, your visibility in the sector, your ability to network, how you present yourself in conversations, and whether you show curiosity about the industry.

3. What are the biggest CV mistakes candidates make?

Common ones include:
• Writing a generic CV instead of tailoring it
• Focusing on responsibilities instead of results
• Using complicated formatting that ATS systems can’t read
• Leaving out relevant keywords
• Writing long paragraphs no one will read
• Including irrelevant history that distracts from your value

A strong CV is clear, relevant and easy to scan.

4. Do I really need to optimise my LinkedIn profile?

Yes. Your LinkedIn is often the first place recruiters and hiring managers look. It’s also how they find candidates. If your headline, keywords and experience aren’t clear, you’ll miss opportunities without even knowing they existed.

5. I’m not great at networking. Do I have to go to events?

No one is born loving networking. But building human connections—online and offline—opens doors that applications won’t. You can start small: one event a month, one conversation a week. Most opportunities in EdTech come through people, not job boards.

6. How do I reach out to people without feeling awkward?

Keep it simple and human:
“Hi, I came across your profile and would love to learn more about your role and your path into EdTech. Would you be open to a quick chat?”
People are usually happy to share their stories. Curiosity goes a long way.

7. What kind of upskilling should I focus on?

Focus on practical, hands-on learning. EdTech companies buy tools and platforms, so understanding those tools—AI literacy, CRM systems, analytics platforms—is a great differentiator. Hackathons, mini projects and live demos help you stand out more than theoretical courses.

8. Do I need a coach or mentor for my job search?

You don’t need one, but it accelerates your progress. A coach helps you position yourself properly, avoid blind spots, prepare for interviews, and stay accountable. Mentors and “job-search buddies” give you support and visibility. Job searching is easier and faster when you’re not doing it alone.

9. What’s the biggest thing candidates overlook?

Consistency. Commenting on LinkedIn daily. Following key people. Reaching out to recruiters. Sending follow-ups. Being visible.
Most people stop after one attempt. The people who stand out keep showing up.

10. Can you help me with my job search?

Absolutely. I offer two kinds of support depending on what you need:

A one-hour LinkedIn and CV audit
A focused session where we review your positioning, fix common issues, and map out your next steps.

A two-month job search support programme
Six hours of tailored coaching, full CV and LinkedIn optimisation, interview prep, plus ongoing access to me as your sounding board throughout the process.

You can book a free 30-minute call to see which option fits you best. For ease of syncing, here's the calendar link.