A question you may have asked yourself is “how can I stand out in a competitive job market” and “what can I do?”
Firstly, let’s learn what a competitive job market is… “A competitive market is where there are more candidates waiting to fill roles than there are positions available” so standing out can be the deciding factor when applying for the jobs out there.
1. Develop a strong personal brand
Do you have LinkedIn? Developing a strong personal brand / Having a strong online presence can increase your chances of securing the job as employers are looking to see what you can bring to the table outside of your skills and qualifications.
“How do I build a personal brand” by speaking on topics that interest you and providing value to the consumer, this can be a wide variety of topics from the industry knowledge you’ve gained or interacting with people on posts and expanding your network.
On the topic of networking how can you get your name out there? Attending industry events will be your best bet.
2. Showcase continuous learning and development
You can showcase your learning and development in person for the interview and online with your CV, it’s just gathering the information and putting it where you see fit.
Let’s start with the dreaded question “what’s your strengths and weaknesses”
Naturally, we want to show off our strengths (or good points) and downplay our weaknesses (or bad points) this can be in many ways in our hectic world from dating through to job interviews. It’s based on the simple desire for us to be seen a good, strong or the right choice.
How about we try to show the development in our answer - “One of my weaknesses was creativity, I used recognised this and attended creative classes where I was able to think outside the box, experiment with colour and design. Although this is on going I have been attending these classes for X amount of time and is becoming more and more creative”
This example takes you from A to B and shows the timeline that you’re constantly learning and developing on yourself and your skills.
3. Write a tailored cover letter
Believe it or not a good cover letter will increase your chances of being invited for an interview with the hiring manager. This is because it shows a higher interest as you’ve done your research on the company and got yourself familiar with what they do and can say why you want to work for them etc…
Although mistakes can turn a good cover letter to bad.. try to avoid writing a whole essay, keep it neat brief and typo free.
4. Prepare for the interview
Although it seems obvious, preparing for an interview can fall under the “do your research” from the point before. This isn’t a dating profile but the words “be yourself” stand out, don’t try to act up and be the person you’re not.
Asking questions can be a good way demonstrate your interest in the role, avoid generic questions and show them that you’ve done your research.
5. Follow up professionally
You’ve had your interview… what now?
You can send a thank you note within 24 hours of the interview and email a personalised note. If things didn’t go your way and you received the bad news then still drop them an email thanking them for their time and anything that you learnt, this small gesture can go a long way and if they’re ready to hire again months down the line you could receive an email.
Standing out in a competitive job market requires a combination of strategic personal branding, tailored application materials, effective networking, thorough interview preparation, continuous learning, and cultural fit. By implementing these strategies, you can make a strong impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing your desired job.
Sources:
11 Essential Soft Skills In 2024 (With Examples) – Forbes Advisor
How to answer strengths and weaknesses in an interview (recruitmeuk.com)
How to write the perfect cover letter (With examples) | Indeed.com UK
