Published Date: 16th December 2024
Job hunting can be hard work sometimes, especially if you’re in a competitive industry or specialisation where many other people are applying for the same roles. In a tough job market, this challenge can become that extra bit difficult.
As a recruiter, I often get asked, "Do I need to stand out when applying for a new role? And if so, how?" While the process can seem complicated, the good news is that the answer is straightforward. Here are my key tips on how to stand out when applying for a job.
Start with the Basics
Even strong candidates can hurt their chances by overlooking the small stuff. Attention to detail isn’t just a skill you claim you have, it’s something you can demonstrate throughout your job application.
Here are some quick tips based on my experience reviewing thousands of resumes each year:
Always check the spelling and grammar in every document in your job application, including your resume, cover letter and social media profiles.
Ensure the timeline of your employment history is accurate and complete.
Use consistent formatting throughout your resume and cover letters. Sticking to one font is recommended (and easier to read!).
Know what Employers are Looking for
Identifying the elements the employer is searching for in their ideal candidate is the key to creating a job application that stands out. Emphasising these elements will encourage hiring managers to look more closely at your application and request an interview with you.
Fortunately, knowing what they’re really looking for doesn’t need to be a guessing game. There are plenty of clues to be found in specific places.
Analyse the job description
Read each job description from beginning to end and make a note of the keywords used. Keywords will include elements like the job title, specific skills, the previous experience a candidate is expected to have, proficiency in certain software or tools, qualifications and certifications. Industry jargon can also be treated as keywords. Including these core keywords in your resume and cover letter will help you tailor your job application much more effectively.
Visit the employer’s website and social media pages
Researching an employer online is always a wise move when job hunting. Not only does it help you work out what the company culture is like, but it’s also useful during the job interview, especially when an interviewer asks, ‘What do you know about our company?’
See how your resume compares
After gathering job keywords and researching the employer, review your current CV to see how well it matches the role and organisation. Highlight areas where your experience aligns with their requirements and address any gaps you notice.
Incorporating specific keywords into your resume is important for two reasons: 1) it shows you understand the role, and 2) it increases your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Use a Tailored Resume
You may have heard the advice, ‘tailor your resume for each job you’re applying for’. In principle, this is a sensible thing to do. Tailoring your resume for each job doesn’t have to take hours, however.
To tailor your resume for the role, you can tweak specific sections like your professional summary or key skills list to reflect the language and priorities in the job posting. You could also re-order bullet points under your work experience to bring the most relevant achievements to the top.
It’s also a good idea to maintain a well-organised template resume that includes all your skills and accomplishments. Keep this up-to-date so you can quickly modify it when you want to apply for a new job you’ve seen advertised. Using your template resume, you can then choose the most relevant parts to create a streamlined version tailored to the job. When you’re regularly applying for jobs, this will save you considerable time without sacrificing quality.
Write an Engaging Cover Letter
Cover letters are your chance to let your personality shine, so don’t skip them! I’ve come across some truly impressive cover letters that made me eager to meet the person behind them.
Make the most of this opportunity – don’t underestimate its value. A well-crafted cover letter lets you pitch yourself in a way your resume can’t, but too many people fail to use it effectively.
The key to a cover letter that gets you noticed is to write it in your own voice. Please don't use AI tools like ChatGPT – we recruiters can spot AI-written cover letters a mile away. While you can get ideas from AI to structure your cover letter, it’s always best to personalise it. Your cover letter is a window into you as a person and your character.
Don’t forget to have your cover letter reviewed by a friend or colleague so they can make corrections and suggestions. A second pair of eyes always helps.
Polish your LinkedIn Profile
Maintaining a current LinkedIn profile is just as important as your resume and cover letter. Most employers will use this platform to check you out as an applicant, so ensure your profile information matches what is on your CV, especially your job titles and dates.
LinkedIn is also a valuable tool in your job search because it allows you to increase your visibility to potential employers. Expand your LinkedIn presence by connecting with organisations you want to work for. To stay on their radar, it helps to regularly engage with their content in the form of likes and thoughtful comments.
The Takeaway
Job seeking can take a lot of energy at times, but if you believe you’re a true match for a position, the effort you put into a job application is time well spent. A few small changes can elevate your job applications from the generic to the unique – and pay off in the best possible way.
Remember to stay patient, be persistent, and, most importantly, be authentic. Ultimately, the best way to stand out is to be yourself. Mauri ora!
Get Help from a New Zealand Recruitment Specialist
For support with your job search, including personalised feedback on your resume and tips for job interviews, connecting with a leading New Zealand recruitment agency can make all the difference.
If you are currently in the market for a new role and struggling with presenting your CV or cover letter, or you just need some general guidance with interviewing techniques, please reach out to me or the team at Beyond Recruitment– we are happy to help.
You can also access our resources for job seekers, or read more of our advice here.
