How to: Stand out from the crowd & other job seekers

Endless searching on popular job portals, mindlessly sending out applications, getting frustrated at the ever-increasing list of rejections... these are only some of the experiences job-seekers are overly familiar with. Hunting for a 'good' job is one of the most infuriating processes we've all been through at some point. Credited greatly to modern technology, the vastness of fields & industries offering employment is higher than ever, and yet we struggle with record-level unemployment rates globally. This paradox makes it even more toilsome to stand out in an environment as competitive as the one job-seekers face today.

Fortunately, there are several surefire ways to get noticed by recruiters, highlight your skills & talent, and prove yourself as the best candidate for the job. And if you relate to Michael Scott right now, don't worry. We've pulled together several practical techniques you can implement.

1. Being prepared for attention even before application

While most people think the job-hunt process begins with applying for jobs, wanting to stand out from the crowd means beginning the process early, too. Recruiters find it easiest to employ applicants who come to them through referrals. Recruiters can trust the source, and thus are more likely to pick you if you can get one. If a referral isn't possible, try to provide the recruiter with as much proof of your abilities as you can- create a portfolio or samples of your work even if hasn't been mandated, ask a few people to write recommendations for you on your LinkedIn profile, and make sure the skills most relevant to the job you want are front and center. If you're applying to a start-up, a unique way to get noticed is to offer a suggestion or present a business perspective the founder might not have considered yet.

2. A Star is born: The Perfect Resume

Your resume is an introduction to who you are before a recruiter has met you, seen you, or heard about you through any other source. Your resume tells a recruiter crucial things they need to know about you, and it's imperative your resume be excellent. The first step in perfecting your resume comes from proofreading it and making sure it's free of any grammatical errors or technical mistakes. Study the job description and requirements for your desired role, and customize your resume to include relevant details; one resume rarely fits all job descriptions. Supporting your resume with a zealous cover letter that shows your knowledge of the company and your interest in working for them gives you an opportunity to show your personality & edge to the recruiter. Last but not least, design your resume in a format that is competitive yet appealing to the eye.

3. Call me maybe: Reach out to Recruiters

After you've applied for the job and sent your picture-perfect resume, it's time to get proactive and call up the company. While most applicants will simply wait to hear back on their application, you'll be making a personal impression on the recruiter. It's important to show exactly what you're going to say, as the recruiter most likely wouldn't be expecting your call and thus it is your responsibility to drive the conversation. To increase confidence, plan out all you're going to talk about, starting with a brief introduction- think 'Me in 30 seconds'. Ask them if they've received your application and resume, if they can open all the attachments you've sent, and various questions about the company & position.

4. Dreams come true Interview

Interviews can be tricky and aren't always predictable thus making them hard to prepare for. They do, however, present several opportunities to impress. If you're feeling nervous, research the best answers to common interview questions like 'Why are you the best fit?', "What're your strengths & weaknesses?', or 'What're your salary expectations?'. Even the seemingly simplest of questions like 'Tell me about yourself' have an ideal answer, and to be the best candidate for the job, you've gotta have the best answers. It's a good idea to put yourself in the interviewer's shoes and think about what would be expected- offer information that isn't present on the resume or application as they would be familiar with the same. Dress for success, focus on positive body language, and be confident: your holy grail to being your best self.

5. Follow it up and Close it down

After an interview for a job, what do you think most people do? If your answer is 'what can be done except wait', then you're partially right. Most people would do just that: wait to hear back, but the right follow-up can be a game-changer. Whether you think your interview went well or not, whether you got the job or not, write a thank you note to the recruiter/interviewer. Reference specific parts of the conversation to drive home the message, answer any question that you might've missed during the interview and explain why, and thank the interviewer for their insights/feedback/time. Even if you don't qualify for the job, following this process will ensure the interviewer remembers you distinctly. And you never know how that might end up benefitting you- they might re-think their hiring decision, decide to groom you for the role, fit you into a different role, refer you to a peer at a different company, or even invite you to upgrade your skills and re-apply. Staying focussed and being optimistic are your best mental tools in the brutal warzone that job-seeking is.

While focussing on ways to stand-out and accepting advice on the same, it is also critical to remain professional and remind yourself of boundaries. Inappropriate or poorly timed humor, excessive questioning, or seeming too eager to please might cause more harm than good and may not be well-received. Social media is now an extension of your identity and remembering to keep it private and not post anything inappropriate or untoward is always a good practice. Our best advice to all job-seekers is to use your judgment, and weigh your options depending on a situation when in doubt.

Tell us- what other ways have you personally benefitted from in your search for the best job? You can Email us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @colco.app!