Considering the sheer number of people vying for most job positions, you need to do what you can to stand out, to be that bright flower in the vast green field of applicants. Yes, you may have similar backgrounds and qualifications for a position, but if you think about it, you have something that makes you more memorable to the hiring committee. Figure out what that is and use it to your best advantage.
- “Safe” can equal “boring.” You don’t want to come off as a cookie-cutter version of everyone else…another description of you (which you can to prevent) is “forgettable.” Whether you have something special on your résumé that nobody else has (you single-handedly saved your company from financial meltdown by creating a new system) or opening your cover letter with an interesting and relevant anecdote, create a positive impression. It may mean pushing beyond your comfort zone, but it may prove a risk worth taking.
- Humans do the hiring. Even if a company uses software to pare down its list of candidates, bear in mind that a person with their own set of thoughts, feelings, and reactions does the interviewing. And as impartial as they may be, quite often an interviewer will hire one person over another based on how you make them feel. Do what you can to build a rapport with that person — make a personal connection or research the company to show how your passions align with theirs.
- Don’t go it alone. Want to stand out from the candidates? Have others talk you up. Get a former colleague or superior who knows someone in the company to personally recommend you — employers prefer to hire candidates who a trusted source has vetted. Request from those who have worked with you to write a recommendation on LinkedIn to add to your profile (and, as a side note, make sure you extend them that same courtesy). Then when potential employers look you up, they’ll see clients, co-workers, and superiors writing about their great experience working with you. Sometimes it helps to have someone “back up” what you’ve put in your cover letter and résumé.
You don’t have to do acrobatics to get yourself noticed, but remember that you bring something unique to the table. Do what you can to professionally showcase yourself to land the job of your dreams. For more tips or assistance finding your next job opportunity, reach out to the recruiting professionals at Medical Professionals today.
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