Finding a job is not usually a problem; there are almost always employment opportunities, but you probably don’t want just a job. Instead, you want a career path, an employer that cares for its employees, and a decent paycheck.
That’s a far cry from any old job, which makes such work more challenging to get. The better the role is, the stiffer the competition will be. So how do you ensure you stand out to potential employers and get shortlisted for the positions you want? By following the tips below, you can stand out to the companies you’re hoping to attract.
1. Make Your Resume Shine
It’s always a good idea to update your resume. Whether you’ve been out of the job-hunting scene for years or just months, industry standards change quickly, and you’ve got to keep up. A great resume is immediately eye-catching and showcases your best talents — capabilities employers are looking for.
For help putting together a stunning resume, consider using an AI cover letter generator. It can offer aesthetically pleasing templates, identify keywords employers look for, and highlight your most relevant skills and experience according to particular job postings. Speaking of experience, get specific when describing past accomplishments. Instead of saying you “Contributed to increased revenue,” for example, say you were “responsible for increasing sales by 15%.”
Furthermore, demonstrate grit in your resume. Employers love to see determination, perseverance, drive, and commitment. Reveal your ability to push through hard times in your descriptions of past work and educational experiences.
2. Show Up Online
In the modern world, it’s essential for job seekers to have an internet presence. If you’re hoping to work for a well-established company, recognize that they’re hoping to hire well-established talent in turn.
If you haven’t already, start engaging in online spaces where your future employer can find you. LinkedIn is a great space for presenting your professional self, sharing insights into your industry and building a solid network. When employers look for you there, they’ll ideally see you as a respected figure in your field.
More than simply showing up, you also want to consider the type of content you’re creating. Whether you like it or not, you create content whenever you react, comment, or post anything online. Many future employers and recruiters will look beyond your LinkedIn profile and posts. They’ll also view your activity on X, Facebook, and Instagram. So be sure you’re comfortable with the persona you’re creating in those spaces.
3. Research the Jobs and Employers You Want
An essential component of an effective job search is doing a ton of research. Dig deep into the industry and companies you hope to impact. And yes, if your goal is to get noticed by employers, you want to make an impact.
Develop — or find — answers to these questions: What are current innovations in your industry? How is the company you’re applying to contributing to those innovations? Once you have the answers, you can position yourself as necessary to that company’s growth.
Remember, too, that they’re not just interviewing you; you’re also interviewing them. Part of your research should involve finding out whether you actually want to work for this company. Learn about the firm’s founding, its current financial position, and its mission, vision, and values. By digging deep in this way, you can see whether your ambitions and goals and the employer’s align. You’ll also be better prepared to get to work for the company as soon as you land the job.
4. Do the Job Now
In fact, you can get started long before you get the job. While you’re waiting for interviews and callbacks, showcase your entrepreneurial talents by offering consulting services to others in your field. Build a website and write or share blog posts on hot topics in your field. Accept part-time, contract, and freelance work to build experience and expertise. Taking these steps will reveal to future employers how skilled you are, as well as how determined.
If your industry knowledge is lagging a bit, consider taking courses or reading the latest publications in your field. Then, you can create LinkedIn posts that highlight what you’ve learned, helping others understand and grow alongside you.
There are always ways to contribute to your field and stay on top of current events. You might even take advantage of a volunteer opportunity or an internship. Everything can count as experience, and it all has the potential to make your resume even better.
5. Be Confidently Candid in Your Interview
Finally, when you get to the interview, remember that you are an interviewer, too. This process is not just about them choosing you. As noted above, you also have to make sure the company is a good fit for you, your goals, and your aspirations.
Make a list of questions from the research you’ve done, and don’t be shy about asking them. For example, find out what kind of opportunities exist for growth and training and what their short and long-term visions of the company are.
When responding to an interviewer’s questions, take your time to think about your answers. It’s not a timed quiz, after all. Use your responses to display your passions and strengths — now is the time to toot your own horn. Be clear and direct about what you’ve done in the past, and be honest and authentic when asked about theoretical scenarios. Remember, you want a company that really wants you, so don’t be afraid to be your most genuine self.
Your Time to Shine
To stand out to employers, you’ll want your resume to shine, and you’ll want to work on shining yourself. There are many opportunities to prepare yourself for your dream job with an amazing employer — take advantage of them. Enroll in the class, do the internship, network online, and write about your experiences on your blog. Start doing the work now, and your future employer will see you as a shoo-in: You’re hired!