If you’re one of the hundreds of candidates applying for a position, it’s crucial to stand out. But how can you get noticed when there’s so much competition? What are some of the best ways to stand out to employers?
Here’s what our approved career experts had to say:
1. Get A Referral
To employers, resumes and LinkedIn profiles all start to look the same after a while. If you really want to get noticed, Dorothy Tannahill-Moran of Next Chapter New Life suggests getting a referral (which is why networking is key!). “The assumption with a referral is that no one is going to refer an ax murderer or dud, but rather someone that will make them look like they’ve got the hot contacts,” says Tannahill-Moran.
2. Contact Them Directly
Referrals are great when you can get them, however, it’s not the only way to stand out to employers. If you can’t get a referral, Tannahill-Moran suggests contacting the hiring manager directly. “Even without a referral, if you can make contact with a hiring manager, you will be memorable and much more interesting when they can speak to you in person. You don’t have to be in someone’s face, just interacting with them as if they were humans!”
3. Do The Little Things Right
As simple as it sounds, the best way to stand out is by doing the little things right, according to Ben Eubanks of upstartHR. Eubanks suggests having a customized cover letter that highlights skills specific to the job you’re applying for. You also should make sure your resume doesn’t have any extraneous information (resume objective, anyone?). And, of course, prepare well for your interview and ask smart, pertinent questions when given the opportunity. “I see resumes and interview people on a weekly basis, and one of these points is the usual reason for us not hiring them in the end,” he says. “Details matter!”
4. Showcase Your Achievements
“Beyond a brand-driven, well-crafted resume, try a value proposition letter that showcases your history of quantified impacts on the employers you’ve worked for,” says Cheryl Simpson of Executive Resume Rescue. She suggests including specific challenge/action/result stories and tying your past contributions to the prospective employer’s candidate needs. Combine this letter with a follow-up voicemail in which you summarize your experience, key skills, and measurable contributions in 30 seconds or less.
Standing out to employers in your job search is easier than you think. It’s all about being intentional and strategic. If you’re looking for a job, give these four strategies a try! You’ll be sure to see results in no time.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
