Ways to separate yourself from other job candidates

Waiting for a call from recruiters is a nail-biting experience. It’s human nature to want to stand out from the crowd. Standing out and getting noticed by Hiring Managers and Talent Acquisition firms is the only way to land the job. Every goal is always more straightforward with preparation. Here are a few steps you can take:

Research, research, and research

If there’s one thing that cannot be said enough, it is “research.” Just having peripheral knowledge about the company isn’t going to cut it. One of the most asked questions in an interview is, “what is your understanding of the position and the company?”. If you think just skimming through their website and blogs would take you a step further, think again; every other candidate will do the same thing. Take your search further, and read about the market and the individuals involved. Don't research just enough to answer any question; research sufficiently to ask informed questions. Doing this creates an environment of familiarity for both parties. These efforts go a long way, making you memorable and helping you stand out.

Make every interaction count

Treat every person like you might interact with a potential coworker. If there’s an administrative assistant or recruiter, remember their name, and don’t be in a hurry to get them off the phone. Capitalize on your time with the hiring manager by leaving a mark, something they’ll remember you by, whether it be an insightful anecdote or a portfolio of your work. If you’re interviewing virtually, ask questions that indicate you’re there to solve problems for the hiring manager.

Keyword your resume

The applicant tracking system stores your resume and other details. Customize your resume by using the crucial keywords from the job posting; keyword your resume so that recruiters will instantly recognize your skills necessary for taking on challenges that the organization will encounter. 

Have a keen interest in what the company does

When a recruiter or hiring manager asks you for your motivation to take the job, “more money” or “I need a job” just won’t cut it. Companies want to hire someone genuinely interested in their chosen career path. State how joining the company will change your life, regarding what new exposures you will come across, how you want to develop new experiences, and how you want to hone your current leadership skills. Mention how your new role will contribute to building your character and help you make the changes you want to have in your life and yourself.

Ask Questions

To show your interest and understand what value you can bring to the table, ask questions that will answer all your queries about the past, present, and future. Enquire about your responsibilities and details that will affect you and the department’s work. Here’s a list of questions you could ask:

•  What limitations and parameters will I come across? How are these situations normally dealt with?
• Why is this position available? (This question will help you recognize the history behind the creation of the job)
•  How are criticism and feedback handled within my team? (The answer to this question tells you if critiques are done in a way to help employees grow and develop and whether it is a work environment where you can thrive)
• How does your company approach work/life balance, and what are some recent initiatives it put into place since the pandemic began?
• How long have you been using this particular software for your projects? 
• What is the turnover rate from the current process, and can we use different software or methods for better results?

Give examples

On your resume and interview, state how you are collaborative and results-oriented. For positions with tangible results attached, mention your work and show results. It’s all about putting the money where the mouth is. If you are truly great at your job, let them know by showing your capabilities. 

Prove that you will most definitely be an asset to the company

Read the job description and go beyond. Based on your understanding of job responsibilities, let them know how you believe you can contribute to the department, and enquire about their quarterly and annual goals. Display your strengths and intelligence and let them know that you aren’t ready for just the primary responsibilities but also anything the future holds.

Include a Thank You note

Always thank the host and the recruiter after every meeting. No matter how the meeting went, thanking the discussion participants goes a long way. It displays your respect for the decision-makers. Thank them for their time and efforts. You should send a follow-up “thank you” note after your interview. Here’s your opportunity to solidify a successful interview. One way to stand out is by providing something you might do in this role, whether it’s a sales pitch, deck, or some industry analysis.

KAPITAL has been screening several candidates for the better part of the decade. We’ve observed that candidates with these attributes stand out from the crowd. We’ve also observed that these individuals turn out to be exceptional leaders. Preparation, advocacy of your strengths, willingness to work on your weaknesses, genuine enthusiasm, and being humble takes you leaps and bounds ahead.