How to stand out in a competitive job market

The rising unemployment records are enough to make every job seeker worry about their position in this tight job market. However, the only thing standing between you and that dream job you want might be you!

The job market is as competitive as ever. Only the strongest candidates will come out triumphant unscathed. Every little thing from your cover letter to the thank you email you write after an interview will affect your chances of getting hired. It isn’t easy standing out among a crowd of equally talented competitors.

However, it isn’t impossible either. You can adopt certain strategies during your job search to make it easier for you to get noticed by the right employer. Here are some great tips to get you started:

Be patient

Even in the normal scenario, a job search takes a few weeks. Today, when the unemployment levels are record high, you shouldn’t expect to get a job right off the bat. Set your expectations accordingly and wait for your chance patiently.

Polish your resume

If you haven’t had much success in your job search with the current resume, it might be time to rewrite it. Update your resume with your latest accomplishments and ensure that there are no spelling or grammar errors that will affect your chances of getting hired. A badly written resume will get you out of the competition really fast. Consider hiring a professional resume writing service such as Resume Mansion to get a perfectly written resume.

Impress on interviews

Many employers have the habit of conducting virtual interviews to screen candidates at the start of the hiring process today. If you want to make the cut, you have to impress the recruiter during the virtual interview. Though the medium is different, many rules that apply to physical interviews still hold for virtual interviews. You can try these tips for success during your online interview:

• Set up your equipment in a distraction-free, well-lit place, and choose a suitable professional background
• Dress appropriately just as you would for a physical interview
• Be authentic and pleasant with your interviewers, let them see your personality but don’t go overboard with it
• Mind your nonverbal communication and maintain appropriate eye contact

Revamp your online presence

You will most likely be Googled by an interested employer. Some will also turn to LinkedIn and social media. Your online presence must be up-to-date and well-groomed. You can run a simple Google search on yourself to see the results that turn up. If the first thing that pops up is one of your Facebook posts about hating your old boss, things won’t be so good for you in the job search! Ensure that your social media is free of contradictory content and profanity.

Update your LinkedIn profile

If you still haven’t added a link to your LinkedIn profile on your resume, it is time for you to do that. Employers use LinkedIn for professional networking and for gauging the qualifications of candidates. Use the many features of LinkedIn to let recruiters know that you are interested in finding work, you are actively searching for a new job and your amazing work history. Update your skills and career summary with your latest achievements.

Connect with your network

Many people find amazing employment opportunities with the help of their friends, family, and coworkers. When you are looking for a new job, talk to people from your network and ask them to send any opportunities they spot your way. If you are interested in working for a particular company, you can ask a friend who already works there to put in a good word for you. You can also ask someone from your network to recommend you for a good position that opens up in their workplace!