8 ways to stand out from other candidates when applying for a job
When you’re applying for a job, you want to make a good impression. However, this often isn’t enough. Keep in mind that there are likely many other people applying for the same job, and they will also be trying to make good impressions.
That’s why you need to make sure that you stand out from other candidates. This way, employers are sure to remember you – and a lasting impact is what you’re aiming for when applying for a job.
Have a stand-out resume
Before you get the chance to dazzle prospective employers at an interview, you need to ensure that you actually get called in for an interview. This means that a lot is riding on your resume.
Of course, your resume should be practical. It should include all the necessary information (and more) that your employer could want. But on top of that, it needs to be unique so that it doesn’t get lost in the sea of resumes. One of the best pieces of job search advice you can get is to write a professional and unique resume.
Have references
Many people don’t add references to their resumes, which is never a good idea. Possible future employers will want to know what kind of personality you have and what they can expect from your work, and the only way they can do this is to speak to previous employers. Naturally, if you are applying for an entry-level job, you might not have any previous employers, but it can still be helpful to add a reference from a lecturer or sports coach – anyone who can vouch for your work ethic.
Be professional
If you manage to score an interview, you need to be professional. This doesn’t only refer to the interview itself, but any communication with the employer – whether that is via a phone call or email.
It’s important to remember that your end goal is to get a job, and everything you do leading up to that will determine whether you will be successful or not. So, conduct yourself as you would in a workplace. This will give the employer a glimpse into what they can expect if they hire you. You might also want to put together a work outfit for your interview so that you look professional.
Put in extra effort
If you are applying for a job within your current company, you need to start making yourself stand out before the interview even takes place. If you’re wondering how you can do this, it’s quite simple – just put in some extra effort.
If you don’t mind helping someone or staying a bit later, it’s bound to impress your employers. It will also make you stand out from everyone else who is applying for the job. This doesn’t have to be anything major – sometimes, the small things can make the best impression.
Be prepared
If there’s one thing that’s sure to impress an employee, it’s to be prepared. This makes sense because if you can properly prepare for an interview, it’s a good sign that you will be able to stay on top of things in the workplace as well. You should prepare for your interview in various ways.
Start by researching the company so that you know what their values are and what they look for in employees. You should also try to be early for any appointments or interviews. These interview tips can also help you prepare for the interview.
Be friendly
We’ve already spoken about the importance of being professional. Unfortunately, many people take this too far and end up coming across as cold or even rude. As you can imagine, this isn’t ideal if you’re trying to land a job.
While you should absolutely remain professional at all times, you should also make an effort to be friendly. This will show employers that you will do well if you need to work in a team with other people.
Finding the balance between being professional and being friendly is something you may struggle with, but it will be incredibly useful in your professional life.
Ask questions
Interviews are hard; there’s no denying it. While you may be on your nerves, you still need to actively participate in the interview if you want to stand out from other candidates. This means elaborating on your answers when necessary, rather than simply giving one-word answers.
It also means asking questions to show the employer that you are proactive and that you think about things. The ability to take initiative is something that employers value and often look for in interviews. Of course, you may not be able to think of any questions on the spot, which is why you may find it helpful to read through these questions so that you don’t need to wrack your brain.
Be honest
People often lie in interviews, because they think that it means they have a better chance of getting the job. What many people don’t realize is that employers who have done many interviews can generally tell when someone is lying.
It’s also easy to catch someone out if they are lying about their work experience or qualifications. Rather be upfront with an employer if your experience in a certain area is lacking, or if you don’t know how to do something.
They will most likely value your honesty a lot, and thus have a higher opinion of you.
In conclusion
Finding a job is hard, and if many people are applying for the same job, it becomes even harder. However, there are plenty of ways to make you stand out from other candidates. While these may seem simple, you’d be surprised at how many people don’t follow these tips and end up not making a good impression at interviews.
You should take every job opportunity seriously, so you need to put in the effort if you want to increase your chances of getting it.
Keep in mind that these tips won’t guarantee that you will get a job, but they can certainly improve your chances.