Looking For A Job? Here Is How Smart Job Seekers Stand Out In Their Job Search

By Lilian Wamaitha

Are you looking for a job? You have by far submitted countless applications but no matter what you do, you can’t seem to get an interview. What could you be doing wrong? What are recruiters looking for really?

As far as you are concerned your CV is well updated, you apply on time and you follow the instructions given by the recruiter but you still don’t have a job.

The biggest mistake that you are probably making is not standing out. You have to understand that so many people are more qualified, HR will get thousands of applications for the same job and so it’s up to you to stand out.

Must Read >>> Understanding The Hidden Job Market

1. Apply as soon as you see an advert

I interviewed Ms. Muthoni Ndengwa a recruitment manager at Corporate Staffing services and she confided in me that one of the mistakes that job seekers make is applying too late.

“I get so many calls and emails from job seekers who want to know why after applying for so many jobs they are never shortlisted. When you go back to when the candidate applied for a job, it was two or one day before the deadline. Though qualified, the position will have already been closed,” says Ms. Ndegwa.

If you want to stand out in your job search, you need to apply for jobs immediately they are advertised, because recruiters will start shortlisting the moment they start getting applications.

2. Tailor your CV and cover letter

The best way to appear like any other job seeker out there is to send a generic CV and cover letter for every job.

I have even come across job seekers who apply for a job and send as a single email to ten recruiters or more. This will not give you the job and no recruiter will pay much attention to such an application.

Find out here what what tailoring your CV means.

3. Create connections that matter

If you are eyeing at working in a certain company, say Safaricom, the best way to stand out in your job search is to connect with someone on the inside.

There are so many ways that you can create connections such as having an active LinkedIn profile and attending events where you may find such professionals.

Creating networks will go a long way in securing a job once an opening is available.

4. Showcase your skills

A cover letter will only serve to show what you can do and what you have already done but a portfolio will make you stand out from the pack

Have you been doing a lot of writing? Do you have a blog? Instead of just saying that you have excellent communication skills, accompany your application with writing samples that you have done in the past.

5. Demonstrate your value

Apart from submitting your portfolio, consider also show casing your value. Think about what the company needs and show how you can meet that need.

Opportunities are so many and you just have to put into use your knowledge of the company and work around that.

For instance, you could write a proposal for a great social media marketing campaign if you feel that they lack one.

When it comes to applying for jobs, most recruiters agree that you have to stand out to be noticed.

“Don’t just be like any other job seeker out there. Find something unique that you can offer to the company,” concludes Ms. Ndegwa.

Find Out >>> 8 Top Mistakes Job Seekers Make In Their Job Search 

Do you have any comments on the article? Leave them in the comment section below. Email your queries to lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke.