Imagine walking into a job interview. You’ve done the work, you have the skills, and you’re ready to prove yourself. But before you even sit down, the hiring manager has already formed an opinion about you.
Maybe it’s the way you’re dressed. Maybe it’s your handshake. Maybe it’s your email address.
It shouldn’t matter. But it does.
We like to believe that the world is a meritocracy, that people are judged purely on their talent and hard work. The reality? We are all constantly being judged—often in ways that have nothing to do with our actual abilities.
And that’s where signals come in.
What Are Signals, and Why Do They Matter?
Signals are shortcuts—clues that help others decide, in a split second, whether or not to take you seriously. Whether or not to trust you. Whether or not to give you the benefit of the doubt.
Some signals are obvious:
- A well-tailored suit in a boardroom.
- A modern email address instead of a GeoCities account.
- A firm handshake and steady eye contact.
Others are more subtle:
- A well-maintained LinkedIn profile.
- The way you format your proposal or slide deck.
- A history of generous contributions to a community or industry.
We like to think these details shouldn’t matter. But in a world overloaded with decisions, people look for shortcuts.
An Unfair Truth
Let’s be honest—most of us don’t have time to deeply evaluate every person we meet.
- A hiring manager reviewing 100 résumés will make snap judgments.
- A VC scanning startup pitches will look for quick signals of legitimacy.
- A client deciding between two freelancers will go with the one that “feels” more professional.
That’s why signals are so powerful—they help people make decisions quickly.
Which means that if you don’t control the signals you send, others will decide for you.
How to Leverage Signals to Your Advantage
The good news? Signals aren’t just about status—they’re about trust. And trust is something you can build intentionally.
1. Make It Easy for Others to Trust You
If people are going to judge you anyway, give them the right things to judge.
- Want to be taken seriously as a marketer? Show your marketing skills by raising $50,000 for a charity you love—before you even apply for a job. You don’t need any formal permission to decide to do this.
- Want to work in tech? Fill your GitHub with contributions before your first interview. Show your commits.
- Want to be a speaker? Publish articles on LinkedIn and Medium that showcase your expertise. Engage with people who put on relevant live events.
Don’t just tell people you’re good—show them proof before they even ask.
2. Think Beyond the Surface
Signals aren’t just about looking the part. They’re about creating a pattern of credibility.
- If you’re an artist, don’t just show finished work—document your process.
- If you’re a writer, don’t just wait for a book deal—start a blog.
- If you’re a consultant, don’t just cold email clients—create free resources that showcase your thinking.
People look for signals that rhyme–we trust those who already look like they belong in the space they want to enter.
3. Understand the Unfair Reality—And Use It to Your Advantage
It’s frustrating that people are judged based on their name, haircut, or where they went to school. It’s unfair.
But until the world changes, you can work within the system while you work to change it.
Some people use initials in their email signature to avoid gender bias. Others get glasses to appear more older or more authoritative. These things shouldn’t matter—but if a small adjustment can open a door, why not use it?
The goal isn’t to play a fake game. It’s to ensure that your real work gets seen.
Control the Narrative Before It Controls You
The world isn’t fair. But in some areas, it’s predictable.
People will look for shortcuts when deciding whether to trust, hire, or invest in you. Your job is to control the signals you send—to make it easy for people to believe in you.
So, what signals are you sending?
What signals do you want to send?
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