How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market

The job market is more competitive than ever.  Ireland is at full employment and even with that, certain key roles remain highly attractive to job seekers.  Standing out from the crowd can be challenging for these key roles which are part of your planned career path ahead.  

Here are Some Ways You Can Stand Out

Build a Strong Personal Brand

Create a powerful LinkedIn profile.  Make sure it’s up to date.  Use a professional headshot, a great headline and a summary that highlights your unique strengths.  Interviewers will often view your LinkedIn profile before meeting you.  Make sure it reflects your current career level.  It is important that your LinkedIn profile gives the same great first impression you are also 

Include Relevant Information within your Application for the Role

Ensure your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is up to date.  Make sure you have included the relevant experience that sets you apart for this particular job.  Don’t use generic, vague information.  Highlight your skills and achievements that will assure your success in securing an interview.

Prepare for Your Interview

Research the company.  Make sure you understand its mission, values, and recent achievements.  Know your CV inside out and understand the job description thoroughly.  Once you know if the interview will be an in-person interview, telephone interview, online interview or “just a coffee”, make sure you set time aside to complete focused preparation.  Work with your Recruitment Consultant to ensure you are fully prepared.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice your answers.  Practice speaking your answer out loud and record yourself.  Play it back.  Listen objectively.  Ask your friend or family member to critique you.  You want to say all the “silly” things during interview preparation, not during your interview.  Practice will make you perfect! 

Be ready to explain who you are, what you do, and what makes you stand off from the other candidates.

Follow Up After Your Interview

Phone your Recruitment Consultant straight after your interview.  Tell them what you were asked and how you answered.  Let them guide you in the process of following up.  An immediate call to your Recruitment Consultant will allow them to speak with the employer promptly and move you along to the next step towards your new job.

Many candidates forget to follow up after an interview, missing a valuable opportunity to show their interest in the role.  Don’t allow your delay to reduce your chance of success.

Work with a Professional Recruitment Agency

Recruitment agencies can help connect you with opportunities you might not find on your own. They have connections, insider knowledge, and can provide tailored advice to improve your application.  Referrals are a great way to hear about great agencies.  Talk to your peers and ask them who they found to be good in your career area.