10 tips on how to stand out in a job application process

Being a top candidate in a recruitment process is about more than just competence.

A recruitment process is a chance for you, as a candidate, to promote yourself, just as much as the company that wants you promotes itself. When the perfect job opportunity arises, it’s time to shine both in the job interview and throughout the rest of the process. So, how do you do that in the best way possible?

At Oddwork, we’ve been working with recruitment for over ten years, and our recruiters handle processes for all levels of experience. A recruitment process can take many different forms. Often, the process begins with you submitting your application, followed by a recruiter reaching out for a brief discussion. Then it’s time for interviews and potential tests, followed by contract negotiations and salary discussions. Regardless of industry or the type of process, as a candidate, you most often want to do everything you can to stand out and progress to the next stage in the recruitment process. 

 Here are our top ten tips on how to stand out in the recruitment process and what you should consider before and during your job interview.

Tip 1: Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter 

This tip might seem obvious to many, but it’s worth repeating – customize your CV and cover letter for each specific position you’re applying for. Spend a few extra minutes considering how your skills, qualities, and experience align with the employer’s requirements, as well as what unique contributions you can offer.  

Tip 2: Enhance Your Online Presence (Emphasizing LinkedIn) 

“Help, I’m not that great with LinkedIn,” you might be thinking. However, it doesn’t have to be so challenging or daunting. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is updated and professional. Add relevant information, past experiences, and achievements, and make sure to have a good profile picture. If you want to take it a step further, you can even share your own posts or articles related to your expertise to truly showcase your competence. However, just by ensuring your profile information is updated, you’ll go a long way. 

Tip 3: Demonstrate Initiative 

Go beyond the expected by suggesting ideas or solutions to challenges the company might face. Think about this before the interview and bring your ideas out there at the right moment. This not only tells them that you’re engaged but also shows that you’re eager to contribute. 

Tip 4: Show Enthusiasm 

Alright, we’re not suggesting you write a serenade about the job you’re applying for. Rather, be prepared to explain why you’re enthusiastic about your potential new job and how your forward-thinking attitude can contribute to the company’s success. 

Tip 5: Do your Research. 

We can’t stress this point enough. Conduct thorough research on the company before heading into the job interview – regardless of the role you’re seeking. Make sure you’re aware of when the company was founded, what they sell/engage in, the company’s size, and the location(s) where they operate. Also, demonstrate an understanding of their values, goals, and challenges. This shows that you’re invested and serious about your interest in the company.

Tip 6: Provide Concrete Examples of Your Skills

Prepare examples of past accomplishments and projects that showcase your abilities and expertise. During the job interview, use concrete examples to illustrate your competency. In your cover letter, you can employ the same tactic – instead of just stating that you’re humble and solution-oriented, offer examples of situations where you demonstrated humility and solution-oriented thinking.

Tip 7: Prepare Questions to Ask During the Interview 

A question that recruiters typically always ask during an interview is, “Do you have any questions?” This isn’t just a formality; it’s a sincere question that most recruiters expect you to answer with a yes. Prepare a few questions for your meeting with the recruiter – perhaps you have inquiries about work hours, a specific system, or the composition of your team? Asking questions is a great way to learn more about your potential employer, and it also demonstrates your interest. 

Tip 8: Network 

If you’re truly looking to delve deep into the process, consider building connections within the industry or the company you’re interested in. Some ways to do this are by attending various events and conferences, or through social media. Personal recommendations can be highly beneficial during a recruitment process. 

Tip 9: Show Your Desire to Grow 

Have you taken any exciting courses, obtained certifications, or participated in workshops? Excellent! Feel free to share these experiences to illustrate how you’re enhancing your knowledge and skills. 

Tip 10: Explore Company Culture 

Cultural fit isn’t just about blending in; sometimes, it’s about complementing. A skilled recruiter can determine whether your personality aligns well with a company, but as a candidate, you can also research this yourself beforehand. Look into the company’s social media to gain a better understanding of its employer brand. If something remains unclear, bring the question with you to the interview. Inquiring about company culture is never amiss; it shows that you genuinely want to get to know the company that could potentially become your workplace in the future. 

Best of luck in your job search!