How to Stand Out in a Crowded Job Market

The job market can be incredibly competitive, this is proven by the 2.09 jobseekers per 1 vacancy in August 2024 this is the highest level of jobseekers in 3 years. This can make it difficult to make yourself stand out among the many other applicants. However, there are several strategies that you can use to increase your chances of getting hired.

Network, network, network.

One of the most effective ways to find a job is through networking. Reach out to friends, family, and professionals in your industry to see if they know of any job openings or can put you in touch with someone who does. Identify a specialist recruiter within your field to help you find a new role that suits you fully. The best place to sell yourself is on LinkedIn as this is a social media platform for businesses to connect with potential employees. The phrase It’s not what you know it’s who you know didn’t come from nowhere!
Tailor your CV and cover letter (if using).

When applying for a job, it’s essential to tailor your CV and cover letter to the specific position and company. This means highlighting the skills and experience that make you the best fit for the job. Additionally, be sure to use keywords from the job posting, remember the recruiter/person hiring will have hundreds to look through and they may only look at a CV for 6-7 seconds before deciding whether to read on, so they will be looking for specific examples that match their spec, highlighting this puts you at the top of that list!
Show your passion and enthusiasm.

Employers are looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about the job and the company. Show your enthusiasm in your cover letter and during the interview by highlighting why you’re the perfect fit for the job and why you’re excited to work for the company. Researching what they do and discussing why you’re excited about the opportunity gives you that extra edge too and showcases your interest.
Highlight your achievements.

Instead of just listing your responsibilities and duties, use specific examples to show how you have excelled in your past roles. For example, if you increased sales by 15% at your previous company, be sure to mention that in your CV. This is not the time to be shy, boast and brag about how amazing you are, you want them to know it!
Use social media to your advantage.

Many companies will look at your social media profiles to get a sense of who you are and what you’re about. Make sure your profiles are professional and highlight your skills and achievements. You can also specifically use LinkedIn to do some research on those interviewing you. Or at an earlier stage use it as a networking tool to connect with recruiters.

The best places to research companies are:LinkedIn– Which is a social media platform where companies and employment are the main focus.
Social Media- Other social media like Instagram and X can be useful tools to help understand the business on a more relaxed level.
Company Reviews- Looking at the company reviews can help you make an informed decision on how the company is perceived by the public.
Crunchbase– Using Crunchbase provides you with information about a business, including startups and venture capital firms.
Be creative.

In a crowded job market, it can be helpful to think outside the box when applying for a job. This could mean creating a unique CV or cover letter or even making a video application. The key is to make yourself memorable and stand out from the competition.
Follow up.

After you’ve applied for a job, be sure to follow up with the hiring manager or your recruiter if you’ve used one. Thank them for their time as this can show that you’re genuinely interested in the position and can also serve as a reminder of your application.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of standing out in a crowded job market and landing the job you want. Remember to always be professional, enthusiastic, and passionate about your career goals, and you’ll be sure to impress potential employers.

If you’re struggling to find the perfect position, why not get in touch with our expert team here at V7? With years of experience and access to some of the best roles, we can help guide you to find that dream role! Get in touch today at 0161 394 1000 or visit our website and see the current roles we have available!