If you're looking to stand out from the crowd of other candidates in your job search, you'll need to take the time to separate yourself from the pack. Job markets are becoming even more competitive with time. The most critical thing for employees entering the job market is to stand out as exceptional to recruiters. These employers are more interested in candidates that have something interesting about them than just someone who is defined by their qualifications.
This can be accomplished through a combination of tactics, such as highlighting your unique skills, tailoring your resumes, and networking with the right people. Above all, hiring companies are looking for well-rounded employees that can add value to their business's social benefit and their bottom line.
Tactics to Standout From Other Candidates
- Do your homework - Research the role and company. Doing your research is essential to stand out from other candidates. Showing that you are knowledgeable about the role and the company is a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the position.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter - An effective resume and cover letter that are tailored to the job and company you are applying for will help you stand out. Show that you are the right fit for the role by highlighting your skills and experience that are relevant to the position. To stand out, personalize your resume to the role that you are applying for. Take some time to differentiate what you did versus a team. And most importantly, include metrics on how your work positively impacted the company's success.
- Prepare for the interview - Preparation is key when it comes to the interview. Make sure you are ready to answer questions about yourself and the company. Make sure that you have researched the company and the role, and have some questions prepared.
- Don’t be afraid to market yourself - Set yourself apart from the pack at the onset of your search by building your personal brand through the creation of educational content in your area of expertise. Don’t hesitate to tell a hiring manager about achievements you are proud of. If possible, talk about specific challenges in the workplace that you have met with new and creative solutions. It’s totally acceptable to highlight your strengths and successes; just be mindful of your tone - make sure you don’t come off as arrogant or cocky.
- Demonstrate your passion - Showing optimism and passion for the role and company is an effective way to make an impression. Make sure that you demonstrate your passion throughout the application and interview process. If you think about it, practically every employer would want an optimistic and passionate employee.
- Increase your network - Networking is a great way to get your foot in the door. Reach out to people who already work at the company or in the industry. This will give you a better understanding of the role and increase your chances of succeeding. First, reach out to your network and tell them what you are trying to do. These are people who can see past a resume and to the core of your skills.
- Highlight your unique skills - Showcase the unique skills that you have to offer. Show that you have something to offer that no other candidate does. If you have prior experience in a role vastly different from the one for which you’re applying, you might use this as an opportunity to explain how your background uniquely qualifies you.
- Show genuine interest - Demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in the role and the company. Showing that you have put effort into the application process will help you stand out from the crowd. Present your desire to get the job and how the job really means to you.
- Ask meaningful questions - In a competitive market, candidates can stand out to a company by asking bold questions. An interview is not just an opportunity for hiring managers to ask candidates questions. While an interview is a two-way conversation, it is important to be prepared on the type of questions you will be asked and have your questions prepared that are straightforward.
- Send a comprehensive follow-up - It's easy to be a good interviewer, but hiring managers want to know if you can actually do the job. Following up after the interview is a great way to demonstrate your interest and to stay top of mind with the recruiter. When you send a follow-up message, make sure to include a “Thank you” note to the recruiter or hiring manager.
- Keep your options open - Don’t be afraid to explore other opportunities at the same time. Do not just stick with one option, always have a selection as there is no assurance on everything. Don't be afraid to reach out to potential employers multiple times if you haven't heard back after applying. This will show that you are serious about finding the right job and will help you stand out from other candidates.
Key Takeaway
Remember that companies are looking for a person to solve a particular problem. When you are asked what makes you better than other candidates, the hiring managers don’t want to hear why everyone else is a wrong fit. The interviewer wants to hear about your experiences and strengths that are beneficial for the company. Position yourself as someone they cannot walk away from. If you want free support to strengthen your resume, head to earnbetter.com to get started.
