How to stand out in a crowded market

There can be many obstacles to getting that coveted job you want when the market is crowded. At the same time, there are many strategies to elevate yourself above and beyond other applicants. Below you will find ways in which you can stand out in a crowded market.

1. Create your own website to promote yourself
A great way to make yourself truly unique is to launch your own website. It might not always be used simply as a resume that you use to apply to jobs, but that serves as one of the biggest reasons. Your site might include a biography, projects you have worked on, things you want to pursue, and even your resume itself. It just offers a much more full picture for anyone who is considering you for a vacant position. Of course, you will want to keep your website updated as you grow older and have more experiences.

2. Work on something on the side that is relevant to the field you want to work in
In addition to launching your own website, you might want to launch some sort of endeavour that includes the content you care about. This might include a YouTube channel, insider blog, Twitter or Instagram account, or business venture. If an employer sees you are passionate about their field of business, they will be much more likely to hire you.

Doing this also gives you a great topic of conversation for an initial interview or application. Employers do not want to hire someone who simply does the bare minimum. They want someone who goes above and beyond even before they are on the job. Finally, there may even be a quick way to incorporate what you are already doing to benefit the job that you are applying.

3. Networking with the right people
Sometimes it is not about what you know but who you know. If you have a friend, family or colleague who is very respected in the area you wish to work, don’t be afraid to talk to them. Not only can they give you a plethora of tips to help get the job, they can be possible references. This kind of thing can be done both offline and online, especially through social media.

Obviously you don’t want to ask everyone you know for their help, but if you pick the right people then you might have a higher chance of success. Also keep in mind if someone you know worked at the same company or a similar one. These people can be your closest allies.

4. Actually research the person or company where you are trying to get the job
An employer will be instantly impressed if you already know the ins and outs of their specific company before working there. Take some time during the application process to learn as much as you can about how the company works and the culture you’d be working in. There will be an inevitable question or two about this at a job interview anyway. If you know something that the interviewer doesn’t even know, it will shock and impress them and thus significantly increase your overall chances.

5. Think outside of the box
The final way that you can get a leg up from everyone else who is applying for the same job is to simply think differently. If you need to submit a resume or cover letter for the opportunity, consider unique ways in order to do this. You might even want to include an accompanying video or audio clip, blog entry, or photo arrangement not normally seen during this process.

Employers read so many of the same generic resumes and cover letters that they may simply get bored. If you have something that is actually interesting and different from everyone else, your chances of getting the job skyrocket.

Don’t let the sheer amount of other people trying to get the same job get to you. Use it as a challenge to create a truly unique perspective for why you deserve the job. In the end, it will make you a better employee anyway. Good luck!