Stand Out from the Crowd

The spread of online job application software and use of new media tools to publicize job opportunities has allowed employers to reach broader candidate pools and expedite the application process. Potential employers benefit by receiving more applications of qualified individuals. The applicant, however, faces the challenge of distinguishing oneself among many applications perhaps equally or even more qualified for the responsibilities of the available position.

To receive the full consideration of a potential employer, the applicant must carefully compose their resume, cover letter, and all other communication to present oneself as a skilled professional highly interested in the available position.

1. For each job experience in your resume, translate and relate the duties of the job into skills applicable to the position you are applying for. For instance, if you had a past job experience as a restaurant server, note the duties of the position as including troubleshooting, multitasking and working in an efficient manner, mental calculation and memorization, and maintaining standards of safety and customer service. Any resume reviewer will know from the past position title and employer that you served food, took orders, and calculated bills- better to instead relate relevant skills you gained from the position.
2. Always write and include a cover letter with job applications, even if not explicitly required. A cover letter is not only an example of writing and composition skills, but a medium by which you can relate how the position relates to your career interests, goals, and background. Never include any information in a cover letter such as a job or volunteer experience not recorded in your resume.
3. For those few print and mail-in applications, avoid handwriting whenever possible. Learn how to feed envelopes into your printer and print addresses directly onto the envelope. Edit the application form directly and type in your information. If the form is in PDF format, use a PDF-editor such as Adobe Acrobat (try your local library) or import into Microsoft Office or OpenOffice. The application reviewer will be all the more impressed with your extra effort and care rather than suspicious of the legibility of your handwriting.
   
4. After your application is submitted, place a phone call or send an email to the contact person listed on the job announcement. Politely introduce yourself and state that you have applied to the position. Be enthusiastic- ask questions about specific projects or responsibilities that are planned for the position. Once you are in a conversation, find something that may help the contact person relate to you- ask about their career, alma mater, favorite outdoor activities, or sports team. Thank them for answering your questions and say you hope to hear from them soon. If no contact information is provided with the job announcement, call or send an email to whatever seems to be the most relevant contact person or point within the organization and ask nicely for them to forward the call or message onto the appropriate person.

Following these tips will help you stand out and become known to potential employers. Appearing interested and motivated, professional and detail-oriented, will greatly help your application stand out above other potential candidates and may help you get the job.