Standing Out In A Competitive Job Market: 7 Things You Can Do

With so many applicants and few roles available, standing out from the crowd can be a tremendous challenge.

23:25 12 December 2021

Whether looking for your first job or refreshing your work history, applying to jobs can be incredibly difficult. With so many applicants and few roles available, standing out from the crowd can be a tremendous challenge.

 

But it is possible to beat the odds and secure yourself a new position. Not only will this improve your financial situation and give you a fresh start, but it will also offer you a new sense of purpose. So how can you beat the competition and secure yourself a great job? Here are seven tips to ensure that your application stands out from the crowd:

 

Enhance your education 

To stand out in a competitive job market, it is vital to have a quality education. You might enhance your education by taking additional courses or specializing in a particular area. This can help you to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable and qualified for the job you are applying for.

 

Besides having a solid education, it is also important to be well-rounded. This means getting involved in extracurricular activities, such as volunteering, joining clubs, or participating in sports. This can help you to develop valuable skills and build your resume.

 

Get career transition support

Career transition support can be beneficial when trying to stand out in a competitive job market. This type of help can provide you with the tools and resources needed to successfully transition into a new career. Career transition assistance can include career coaching, resume assistance, interview coaching, job search strategy sessions, and more. They can help you target your job search, manage career change anxiety and have a clear career vision.

 

Career transition support can help you stay motivated and focused as you search for a job. It can also provide you with the education, skills, and connections needed to find a new career that's right for you.

 

For example, suppose your career transition involves going back to school full time to earn an MBA. In that case, career coaching services can help you manage career change anxiety and set career goals as you prepare for the time commitment. It can also teach you how to network effectively and provide guidance on building your career vision. Online career transition support is available through websites such as CareerShift and LiveCareer.

 

Gain relevant work experience

It is essential to have some relevant work experience. This can be difficult if you are still studying, but there are options for finding temporary work. One way to gain this type of experience is student assistant jobs on campus or through organizations like the Student Union, Campus Police, and Career Services Office.

 

Relevant work experience can also be gained through internships, summer jobs, and volunteering. Try to find a position related to the career you want to pursue. This will give you an advantage when applying for jobs in the future.

 

Experience is one of the most important things employers look for when hiring. So, make sure you have some to highlight on your resume and discuss in your interviews.

 

Join professional associations

Joining professional associations can help you stand out in a competitive job market. These organizations offer networking opportunities, developing skills, and learning about industry trends.

 

Some associations have members-only job boards, which can help you find job opportunities that may not be advertised elsewhere. They also offer career advice and resources, which can be helpful when preparing for job interviews and researching companies.

 

For example, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) offers a members-only job board and resume guidance, interview coaching, and career advice. It hosts multiple events each year where you can learn from recruiters and others in your field and meet potential employers. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers similar services.

 

Stay up to date on market trends

It's important to know what's happening in your industry, so you can stay ahead of the competition. Subscribe to industry newsletters, read trade publications, and follow relevant social media accounts. If you can show that you're knowledgeable about current trends and challenges in your field, you'll stand out from the pack.

 

Trends change quickly, so it's essential to stay on top of them. Don't forget to let your interviewer or potential employee know how you're keeping up.

 

Prepare for your interview

One of the best things you can do to improve your chances of getting a job is to prepare for your interview. This means researching the company and practicing your responses to common interview questions. It also means dressing professionally and arriving on time.

 

In addition to preparing for your interview, it's essential to make a great first impression when you meet your interviewer. This means shaking hands firmly, making eye contact, and speaking clearly.

 

However, keep in mind that an enthusiastic attitude is always a plus in the job market. Show your interviewer that you're interested in the job and excited about the organization. Once your interview is over, send a thank-you note to your interviewer. This will let them know you appreciate their time and remind them of who you are. It will also give you another chance to reiterate why you would be a great candidate for the position if you couldn't do so during the interview.

 

Have good references

This is a tip you have likely heard before, but it's important to mention again. If you have good references from previous employers and other people who know your work ethic and skills well, you will stand out among many other applicants. This means that confidentially asking a supervisor or professor about whom they would recommend as a reference for you is a wonderful idea.

 

Suppose you can provide references who believe in your ability to do the job and other qualities that make them enthusiastic about you as an applicant. In that case, this makes up for any other candidates' issues (e.g., lack of experience). Employers are likely to check your references, so make sure you have a few people who speak positively about your skills and work ethic. References can make or break your job application, so make sure yours are stellar.

 

There are many ways to stand out in a competitive job market. Having good references, preparing properly for the interview, staying up to date on industry trends, or even using career transition support, among others, can help you put in an outstanding application and get the job of your dream.