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Embrace personal branding -

Personal branding is very important. It involves everything from how you dress to how you present yourself online. While it's important to show your unique personality, remember the importance of professionalism.

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Tailor every application -

To stand out, it's essential to tailor your CV or resume and cover letter for each and every job you apply to. Around 63% of recruiters say they want a tailored CV for a role while only 32.9% of job seekers say they create a new one.

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Post on LinkedIn -

After you have a completed LinkedIn profile, be sure you're posting insightful content. Recruiters and hiring managers alike are searching on LinkedIn for qualified candidates so if you're posting, it's more likely they'll come across your page.

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Leverage social media -

While LinkedIn is the primary place job seekers use when hunting for a new role, remember there are others. According to Standout CV, 57% use Twitter, 40% Facebook, and 29% Instagram. Limiting your search to LinkedIn will have you missing numerous other opportunities. 

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Upskill -

A degree alone no longer guarantees you a job. New generations of workers are becoming more and more educated. Consider taking online, industry-specific courses that will help you elevate your application. 

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Showcase achievements -

Once you upskill and achieve new certifications, be sure to brag about them. Post them on your LinkedIn under certifications but also write a custom post to share with your network.

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Use AI -

AI, when used carefully, can be a great tool in your job search. It can help you analyze and evaluate your CV and help you determine what keywords should be included to increase your chance of success.

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Network -

Networking may sound scary to some but it's just another way to connect with potential employers. Networking helps you stand out from dozens of other applicants. It's important to foster relationships with people you know and ask around, maybe someone you know is hiring or knows someone who is.

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Be proactive -

Potential employers want to see passion, motivation, and enthusiasm, and being proactive is a great way to achieve this. Be the first to post about a new topic or reach out to new connections and build a relationship. The small things will pay off in the long run.

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Show transferable skills -

In today's job market, employers value candidates with diverse skill sets who are adaptable. Within your CV, cover letter, and interview, discuss how your experience connects to what you will be doing in the new role.

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Stay updated with industry trends -

Showcasing your industry knowledge can go a long way in a crowded job market. Attend industry events and participate in webinars. Position yourself as a thought leader who people should listen to and turn to.

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Demonstrate adaptability and resilience -

Hiring managers and recruiters want to see that you've overcome struggles during your work history and come back even stronger. Showing how you're a resilient leader will likely pay off.

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Show passion and authenticity -

Enthusiasm, passion, and authenticity are all characteristics that draw people in. Especially in today's crowded job market, drawing people in is the name of the game.

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Be patient -

Finding a full-time job can be a full-time job. There are many challenges and tons of other candidates battling for similar roles. Be patient and keep working away.

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Get relevant work experience -

If it's your first job out of university, try an internship first to get some relevant work experience. Then when you apply for a full-time role, you can highlight the skills you garnered during your internship.

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Engage in volunteer work -

Volunteering is not only a great way to help the world but it's also a low-pressure, easy-going way to meet others who care about giving back. This mutual desire to help can spark a connection. Likely, some of these connections you form will also have professional opportunities they could share with you.

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Obtain leadership skills -

Leadership skills don't have to only come from a job, they can come from community involvement. Perhaps you're a member of a sports team or another group-oriented activity. Try to see how you can step up and lead others.

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Enhance your education -

As with certifications, enhancing your education can be a great idea to stand out. Look into going back to school part-time, whether online or in person. Advanced degrees can be excellent on a CV but it also means you might meet other ambitious, education and career-driven individuals.

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Prepare for interviews -

Don't go into an interview without first preparing. Interviews can be hard to come by so if you secure one, do your due diligence and practice answering commonly asked questions.

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Join professional associations -

Professional associations are great ways to learn new skills, find leadership opportunities, and meet new people. 

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Have good references -

Take the time to gather a few solid references. Think of people who can speak to your character and work ethic. Perhaps previous bosses but also coaches, colleagues, and others.

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Be flexible -

Flexibility is key, and showcasing it even more so. You want an employer to know that you can pivot at the drop of a hat. Things change in the business world and in careers in general so being flexible is incredibly important.

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Create a personal website or portfolio -

If your work lends itself to having a portfolio of previous projects, make sure you have one. Creating a personal website showcasing some of your work can be an easy and cheap way to stand out.

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Engage in public speaking or webinars -

Thought leadership is what employers often look for and speaking engagements are an excellent way to show you're a confident, knowledgeable source of relevant information.

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Write and publish articles or blog posts -

Another way to enhance your chances of being hired is to write and publish articles and blog posts. Not only does it show you can articulate challenging points in a concise, informative, and approachable way but also that you're creative and thoughtful.

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Participate in hackathons or competitions -

Hackathons or competitions give you the chance to learn applicable skills, compete amongst other talented individuals, and meet people within your field.

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Ask for informational interviews -

Don't be afraid to reach out to new connections and ask for an informational interview. Let the person know why you value their specific insight and see if they'd be willing to meet with you for a quick coffee chat. This is a great way to meet top-level managers and execs and learn from them, as well as open a door for potential employment chats.

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Get endorsements and testimonials from colleagues or clients -

If you do side project work in your related field, be sure to ask colleagues or clients for feedback and to write recommendations on your LinkedIn or personal website.

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Offer mentorship or coaching -

If you're more senior in your field, try offering junior employees mentorship. This shows you're approachable and willing to lead the next generation even when not explicitly asked to do so.

Sources: (HireLevel) (Europe Language Jobs) (EF Education First) 

See also: Stress-free jobs with high salaries 

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