Make Your Job Application Stick Out

It’s pretty safe to assume that even with a rebounding economy, there is still a lot of competition in the job market. In a candidate pool of hundreds (even thousands), how can you make sure your application stands out from the crowd? Here are a few valuable tips to make sure your application shines.

Target Your Job Search

Knowing where you want to work, and in what capacity, will go a long way towards helping you target your job search. Take the time to network with professionals in the field you are aiming to find a job in. Meet with hiring managers, not to beg for a job, but to ask sincere questions about how you can better prepare yourself to grow your career within the industry. This will give you the industry knowledge and connections that you will need to make your application noticeable.

Get Your Application in Early

All that professional networking has another valuable byproduct, which is knowing when positions are open before many other applicants. Applying early has several benefits. First and most obviously, your application will literally be ahead of everyone else’s in the eyes of the hiring manager. If you fit the bill, they don’t want to spend any more time on their recruiting than necessary. Secondly, doing your research and applying to a posting promptly shows initiative and commitment to the company; two things that every manager wants in a new hire.

Apply in Person

In today’s world of internet applications and online forms, applying in person will really make you stand out. Even if all you are able to do is drop off a resume at the front desk, it is worth your time. Receptionists and assistants are often the first line of defense for a company. If you make a good impression, you are well on your way to getting a foot in the door.

Perfect Your Resume and Cover Letter

A cover letter should be treated as an opportunity to open a conversation about yourself. Form letters are quickly spotted, and show a lack of true interest or passion about the job you may be applying for. Resumes look great when facts, figures, and numbers make up the better part of those bullet points. Mention your accomplishments in a quantifiable manner. Take the time to really get the details of your resume clear, and write a unique cover letter that is a good conversation starter for an interview.

Follow the New Rules

The standards for resumes and job applications have changed in recent years. What passed for a solid application 10 years ago now blends in with the herd. The new rules include limiting your personal information, and including information about your online presence. This includes your LinkedIn profile, your website, your online portfolio, and any other professional social media profiles that might be relevant. Also, keep the focus of your resume on your proficiencies and abilities, rather than simply listing every job you’ve held in the past. Managers want to know what you can do for them, not just who you’ve worked for in the past.

Sentech Services, a top staffing firm in Detroit, can help get your resume in front of clients looking for attractive job candidates. Contact Sentech Services today to get the ball rolling!

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