Five Ways to Stand Out in Your Job Search

How to win the Job Search Competition

by Carmina Duarte

​In today’s competitive job market, college grads need to be creative and use every tool at their disposal to get noticed in their job search. Recruiters get inundated with emails and hundreds of applicants for each job they post; so it’s up to you to differentiate yourself and stand out from the competition. Here are five ways to stand out in your job search:  

1. Develop an online presence – LinkedIn, online portfolio, website
What is the first thing that you do when you want to learn about something or someone? If you’re like me…you Google it! Guess what…you will be Googled by prospective employers and recruiters⎯so have an online presence with a stellar LinkedIn profile, online portfolio and personal website with information you want them to find. By developing your online presence with these platforms, you’re building your online brand for employers and recruiters to find you and learn about your skills and qualifications with the ultimate goal of landing a job.

2. Targeted résumé and cover letter
When applying for jobs throughout your job hunt, remember no two jobs are exactly the same. One size does not fit all. Of course, it’s just easier to have generic materials than to write and update your résumé and cover letter according to each position that you apply for. However, if you don’t invest the time in writing a targeted résumé and cover letter, you’re probably not going to get a call from the employer for an interview. Writing targeted application materials that match your skills to the job will set you apart from the competition and move your employment candidacy to the top.

3. Connect with an Insider
One of the best ways to find out about job opportunities is through your network. Remember, it’s not about who you know; it’s about who knows YOU. A good way to build your network is to connect on LinkedIn with prospective employers, recruiters and influencers, as well as join professional networking organizations. Connecting with someone from the inside and conveying your value and passion for the company can garner an introduction to hiring managers and gain an advantage on the competition.

4. Optimize your résumé and online profiles
Make yourself more findable by placing relevant keywords in your résumé and social media profiles that employers are most likely to search. Employers spend little time looking at each résumé and instead are searching for keywords and phrases on LinkedIn and in résumé databases to find candidates. If you have those keywords, chances are you will be found by the hiring manager and your résumé will get reviewed. Search engine optimization can be very helpful for employers to find you and give you that edge on your competition.

5. Attend networking events and workshops
Attending networking events, informational meetings and workshops is a great way to meet people in the industry, learn about job openings and enhance your skills.  Undergraduates are encouraged to attend workshops to learn critical skills and receive hands-on tips. Stay in the know by following @PRSSALB on social media.

In today’s highly competitive world, you need to go beyond your résumé and think of ways to differentiate yourself and stand out from the competition. Apply these five tips to help you stand out from the crowd and land your ideal job. Good Luck!