How Can You Stand out in Your Job Search?

You want to make an amazing impression on hiring managers when you are searching for work so you will be considered for the career opportunities. Making a good impression is important from the time of your initial contact – your resume or cover letter – and should continue through the entirety of the recruitment process. At every step, you want to show the hiring manager they’d be missing out on an amazing candidate if they don’t bring you on board.

So, how can you stand out from the crowd, especially in a competitive market? Consider these tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job description. Hiring managers can spot generic resumes and know you aren’t excited enough about the job to customize your resume to the position. Tailoring your resume allows you to show the hiring manager you have the desired skills and you care enough to go the extra mile and update the resume.
• Provide specific, quantifiable proof of your abilities. You want the reader to be convinced you have the skills you claim. Providing specific evidence of achievement can prompt a hiring manager to reach out to you because they are confident of your abilities. For example, rather than saying you’re a good sales person, detail your specific sales numbers and explain you exceeded your quota. The more specific you can be, the more likely it is a hiring manager will be interested in you.
• Prepare for common interview questions. If you land an interview based on your resume, you want to excel during this in-person or phone interaction. To do this, practice answering common interview questions and prepare answers in advance to some of the questions you’re most likely to be asked. For example, you should know how to answer a question about common weaknesses or about how you overcome a problem at your past work.
• Follow up in an appropriate and polite way after each interaction. Once you have contacted a company that is hiring, follow up to find out if your application is moving along in the hiring process. You should also send a thank-you note after an interview, preferably handwritten. Following up shows you are genuinely interested in the job and is good manners.

By taking these steps, you are making the best possible impression on a hiring manager so you can maximize your chances of finding work. You should also consider reaching out to SmartTalent, which is a trusted staffing service that helps job seekers to find work in Kirkland, Fife, Renton, Lacey, Lynnwood, Everett and surrounding areas. Our staffing service can help you make connections with top companies so you can maximize your chances of being noticed and hopefully hired.