6 Easy Ways to Stand Out and Land That Job
In today’s world, it can be challenging to figure out how to stand out in your job search. You may have a great resume with reliable references. Great – but chances are the competition you face for the job do, too.
Hiring managers are flooded with applications from qualified candidates. If you really want the gig, you have to stand out in all of the right ways. What makes you interesting, compelling, and valuable to a prospective employer? Here are six ways to make your mark:
Do Your Homework
Before you hit “Apply” for a job, do a little research on the company. Candidates who genuinely care about the landing the job have done their homework. For a hiring manager, it is a breath of fresh air to speak with a candidate who has some knowledge of the company and its’ work culture. Not only will this information help you when in the interview, but it will also help you decide whether it is a place you even want to work.
Give Your Cover Letter Some TLC
The cover letter is a fundamental piece of your application. Unfortunately, most applicants fall short because their cover letter is bland and impersonal. Take the time to craft out your cover letter and demonstrate your knowledge about the company and the industry as a whole. Include information not found on your resume, such as personal traits, accomplishments relating to the position, interest level, and specific qualifications relating to the position. Think of it as your chance to share who you are beyond your resume and what you bring to the table.
Showcase Your Work
In addition to telling a prospective employer about your skills and abilities in your cover letter/resume, create a portfolio of your work. Building an online portfolio is another tool you can use to demonstrate who you are and the value you can bring to a company. The hiring manager will be impressed by your initiative and extra effort you put-forth in showcasing your skills.
Find a Connection with an Insider
80% of hiring decisions are made based on connections. A job referral can be the best way to get the attention of a hiring manager. Take a glance at your professional contact list or LinkedIn connections and see if you can leverage these relationships as a resource for job opportunities. People are more likely to hire someone they know and trust. Don’t be shy about asking – many employers have employee referral programs that provide bonuses for referring candidates for employment. If you are a strong candidate, it’s a win-win-win situation. You get the job, the employer gets a top-notch new employee, and the employee who referred you gets a bonus.
Follow Up
If the job you applied for is truly of interest, then it is worth your time and effort to follow up with an email or phone call. By going out of your way to follow up on an application, it can make all the difference in the world. Most candidates will send an electronic resume and then show no interest afterward. If you are polite by persistent in following up with hiring managers regarding your application, they will most likely bring your resume to the top of their list.
Work with a Reputable Staffing Firm
Many employers turn to staffing agencies like Snelling when they are seeking to hire a new employee. Not only is it cost-effective for the employer to work with a staffing agency, but they also understand that applicants recommended by a recruiter have been vetted and pre-screened by the agency, so they stand a head above other candidates who come in through other methods.
If you’re looking to stand out in your job search, the hiring experts at Snelling can help. We help match thousands of exceptional people with exceptional opportunities each year. Contact your local Snelling today to get started.
