How to Stand Out in Your Next Job Application

As a professional Career Counselor, I work daily with people who are applying for various jobs. Not to mention, my own job search journey. Within this context, I am often asked, “How can I stand out in my next job application?”

While I can write a mile-long list of suggestions, I am going to keep this post brief and highlight four key ways to stand out during your next job application process.

1. Customize, Don’t Generalize

When it comes to your job application, you can forget the one-size-fits-all approach if you want to stand out. Instead, it is essential that you tailor your resume and application answers to each and every role you apply for. Yes, this is time-consuming, but it will help you to stand out more as an ideal candidate than not.

Additionally, it is important that you demonstrate an understanding of the position that you are applying to, as well as the company. In fact, one of the main reasons, interviews fail is because a candidate has not done their research on the company, as well as the needed self-exploration to articulate why they are a good fit for the position.

2. Slay with Keywords, But Don’t Over Do It

Next, it is important that you become familiar with applicant tracking systems and software. No, you don’t need to know everything, but read an article or two that will give the foundation of how this works with your application documents.

Most important is understanding the correct keywords and phrases from the job description and how to align them with the work that you have done and incorporate the keywords and phrases into your cover letter and resume.

Because the truth is, many companies have turned to ATS software to filter their applications. So, in order to be a candidate that is filtered to the top, your documents must include some relevant keywords and phrases – just don’t overdo it.

3. Cover Letter Always

Now, before we jump to the golden nugget of the resume, let’s take a moment and pause for the most hated document of all time, the cover letter. People simply loathe writing a cover letter. I get it; especially if you don’t know what to write or understand the purpose of the cover letter.

In short, the cover letter is a letter explaining why you are qualified for the position. It’s an additional opportunity to shine and demonstrate that you are the ideal candidate. Remember, these are the documents that help you to land the interview. It is an important step, that is preferred, and yet often hated.

4. That Designer Resume Glow

Last, but not least. First impressions really do matter when you are applying for a new role in your career, which is why you need to use as distinctive a resume as possible if you want to get noticed for all the right reasons.

Keep in mind, that you want a 1-2 page resume that is in alignment with your own personal brand. If you are uncertain as to what options are out there, check out the infographic below and let me know your thoughts in the comments.