How to Stand Out in a Saturated Job Market

How to Stand Out in a Saturated Job Market

When it comes to looking for work, most job seekers try to fit in, following conventional advice about how to find available jobs, write resumes, or prepare for interviews, among other things. But when you do what everyone else is doing, you get what everyone else gets: lost in the piles of applications and resumes that never get hiring managers’ attention.

Get Hired in Today’s Job Market

If you want to get hired in today’s marketplace, you have to stand out. Here are five simple things you can do right now to get noticed in the job market.

1. Build a brand. Probably the most often-used word in corporate America today, your brand is simply what comes to mind when people think of you. What do you want to be known for? How do you want to be perceived in your industry? Create a clear picture of that in your mind and develop a distinct identity around it. That might mean creating a catchy, clever slogan that you include in your email signature or outgoing voicemail message; it might mean writing online or trade articles to showcase your expertise; perhaps it will include writing a blog. Whatever the case, make sure your brand message is consistent. It is, after all, the first thing people will remember when they think about you.

2. Network. Remember, the most attractive and available jobs are never advertised. When you attend conferences, trade shows, or other networking events in industries of interest, you’ll meet decision makers, recruiters, or other people who can give you information about the best jobs that are likely never advertised to the public.

3. Take initiative. Most job seekers are reactive; they simply scan job boards and apply for advertised positions. With thousands of people responding to the same ad, is it any wonder that most people never get a call back? Rather than follow the crowd, why not identify the companies you’d like to work for and reach out to them directly? Read company publications, online articles and blogs to see areas where the company is excelling, as well as areas in which it’s struggling, and identify opportunities for you to use your skills and talents to make a difference.

4. Utilize social media. By now, you’ve probably heard that many companies use LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to find desirable candidates. But what you might not realize is that the “Big Three” social media sites just skim the surface of social media. The term “social media” also encompasses things like blogs, podcasts, forums, webinars and teleseminars. Find the best online platform(s) through which to showcase your talents and skills or to interact with decision makers or other thought leaders. You might just stumble upon your next job opportunity.

5. Be consistent. Success in anything is the result of consistent, sustained effort over a period of time. No matter which of the above actions you take, be sure to stick with it, adjusting your strategy or approach as necessary. Eventually, you’ll find success in your job search, all because you broke away from the pack and took a chance at standing out.

If you feel stuck or need to the assistance of a skilled negotiator in your search, please contact 1st Solution USA today.