How to set yourself apart from other candidates in your job search
Recruiters get a lot of resumes to review. It is not easy for them to remember which one is yours. To make sure that they remember you, you need to do something that will stand out from the crowd and impress them.
Here are six ways to make recruiters remember you:
1. Show your personality in the interview
The job search is not just about what you know, it’s also about who you are. A recruiter would like to see that you have the skills and experience for the position, but they also want to see if you are a good fit for the company.
This means that in addition to your resume and cover letter, you need to show your personality in the interview. This will give a better idea of how well you will fit into the company culture, which is very important for a successful career path.
2. Send a thank you letter
After a job interview, follow up with a thank-you letter or email. This shows that you care about their time and effort in reviewing your application.
Thank you letters are a great way to stand out and impress recruiters. They can also be used as an opportunity to show how much of a fit you are for the company and position that is being offered.
A thank you letter should always include three things: thankfulness, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Do something unique that will make them remember you: make them laugh, remind them of something or someone you have in common or bring up things from your interview.
3. Create an online presence
If you are active online and share information about your sector, it will grow your network. This will make it easier for recruiters to find you but it will also show them that you have an established knowledge of the industry and role.
But it’s not just about sharing and liking posts on social media like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. It’s important to engage in conversations, add your own points and thoughts. This not only shows your knowledge but also a bit of your personality.
4. Make a personal connection
Once you learn your interviewer or recruiter’s name, call them by it a few times. Don’t go overboard but this helps create a connection that will make you more likely to get hired or at least considered for other opportunities.
This creates more trust between you and the interviewer and helps set you apart from other candidates. It also has been shown that using someone’s name makes you seem more confident and tends to impress the other person.
Being likable and letting your personality shine will make you more unique. If there is some small talk before a job interview starts you can find something to bond over with the recruiter. You can also investigate their LinkedIn before the interview to see where they have worked, studied, or who their connections are. If you have something in common, you can bring it up during the interview.
5. Make it easy for them to find you
Use the right keywords, headlines, and skills on your LinkedIn, social media profiles and CV. This makes it easier for recruiters to find you and they will be able to quickly see that you are qualified for the role.
Also if a headhunter reaches out to you, be sure to respond quickly. They won’t keep you in mind if you take too long to reply.
6. Create a portfolio
Showcase your work! Make a website or some kind of easily accessible portfolio for others to see your best work. If you are skilled with code and can find a more creative way of digitally displaying your work, then go for it. Just make sure it’s easy to open and see.
This portfolio can include articles you’ve written, website links, project results, proof of your accomplishments, or other elements that show your experience and talent.
It's a way to show recruiters what you can do, how you work, and the value that you can bring to their company.
The most common mistake people make when putting together their portfolio is not including enough information about themselves. They should include anything that makes them stand out from the crowd: awards or recognition they have received in school or at work, volunteer experience, personal interests or hobbies, etc.
If you want to get hired, you have to make a good impression in job interviews. This requires confidence and preparation. Here are 5 tips to help you stand out from other candidates. Read more here →
