How to Stand Out as a Candidate in Today's Job market

There is no way around it, today’s job market is highly competitive and you will need to stand out as a candidate if you want to be considered for a position within a reputable company. In this blog, we will be discussing how you can stand out in your next job application, let’s take a look.

Edit Your CV

First things first, the CV you wrote out hastily in 2010 just isn’t going to cut it in today’s market. Start by removing any ‘fluff’ or any decades old previous jobs unless they are completely relevant to the job you are applying for. Always adjust and edit your CV to fit the company in which you are applying for; Going the extra mile with your CV will make it stand out. Here’s an interesting blog we published earlier this year about striking the balance between AI and authenticity when it comes to CV writing.

Always Research

Always, always, always research the hiring company thoroughly before you apply for the role or go for interview. This benefits you in two ways: Helping you to avoid the awkward silence at interview stage when they ask company specific questions and also allows you to gain a deeper understanding of how the company operates before you apply/interview for the job. It could turn out you aren’t the right fit for them, but on the flip side, they might not be the right fit for you.

Consider Previous Skills

Always consider any previous skills you have gained in the past and have a think about how they can be applied to the job you are interested in. This might not always be immediately obvious but what it will do is make you really rethink how you can apply your own unique set of skills to a brand new role and another benefit is that potential employers will be impressed by this.

Prepare for Interviews

Preparation could mean the difference between disappointment or success and a large portion of which way that goes is up to you. It’s cliché for a reason but always research the hiring company and practise common interview questions until to you feel confident in your delivery, feel free to check out our previous blog on common interview questions here.

Don’t Give Up

Whatever happens on your employment journey, it’s so important that you don’t give up. Always prepare well, be confident in your abilities and suitability for the role and take the rough with the smooth, your dream job could be just around the corner. Check out our latest list of vacancies here and if you need some more support with job preparation, please contact our team today.

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LinkedIn Poll Results - February 2025

by Simon Clark • 17 February 2025

In our latest LinkedIn poll, we explored what professionals believe is the key to building a resilient career in today's ever-changing job market. The results highlight significant trends and preferences that are shaping the ways individuals approach their professional growth and stability. Dominating the responses, 'Flexibility/Adaptability' was identified by an impressive 67% of participants as the most crucial factor. This overwhelming consensus underscores the importance of being able to pivot and adjust to new challenges, environments, and technologies. In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to adapt is invaluable and often seen as more critical than any specific skill. 'Continuous Learning' also received notable attention, garnering 25% of the vote. This reflects a recognition that ongoing education and skill development are essential for keeping pace with industry innovations and remaining competitive in the job market. Interestingly, 'Specialisation in Niche Areas' was seen as key by 8% of respondents, suggesting that while having a specialised skill set is beneficial, it may not be perceived as the most important factor compared to adaptability and continuous learning. 'Networking' received 0% of the vote, a surprising result that might indicate a shift in perception about the value of professional networks, or perhaps it reflects a belief that other skills outweigh networking in terms of importance for career resilience. Stay tuned on our LinkedIn channel on 1st March 2025 for our next poll.

Understanding What Employers Look for in Job Applications

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 7 February 2025

When you are applying for a job, standing out against the competition is crucial. Employers will receive numerous applications for each role they advertise, so as well as understanding the role and the company, understanding what employers are looking for will significantly improve your chances of being called for an interview. Let’s take a look at some of the key things hiring managers are looking for when reviewing applications. A Well-Structured CV Your CV is the first impression an employer has of you, so it needs to be clear, concise, and tailored to the role you are interested in. Employers are looking for a professional layout that is easy to read, relevant work experience, key skills that tie in with the job description, your education and qualifications, and no spelling or grammatical errors. A CV that is too long, disorganised, or too generic may be overlooked. Always tailor your CV to each role by highlighting the relevant skills or experience you possess. A Well-Written Cover Letter Not all employers will require a cover letter alongside your CV, but when they do, it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality, skillset, and enthusiasm for the role. A strong cover letter should address the hiring manager if possible, explain why you’re interested in the company and the role, highlight your relevant skills experience and demonstrate how you can add value to the business. Avoid simply turning your CV into a few paragraphs and use the opportunity to show how passionate you are about the job and what you can bring to the company. Attention to Detail Employers will favour applicants who have carefully read the job description and tailored their application to fit the role. Always follow instructions and stick to the requested format. Another important point to note is that your application is your first impression to potential employers and any spelling or grammar mistakes will make you appear careless or unprofessional. A well written and error-free application enhances readability and clarity, helping you to stand out for the right reasons. Before submitting your application, always proofread, use spellcheck or ask someone to review it for you. Relevant Skills and Experience Hiring managers are looking for candidates who meet or closely match the requirements of the role, and whilst relevant work experience is important, transferable skills such as working well within a team, problem-solving, and good communication are highly valued. Use examples to highlight how you have demonstrated these skills in previous roles so the keywords you use aren’t hollow, empty, or just filling space on your application. Professionalism and Enthusiasm Employers will always prefer candidates who present themselves professionally and show a genuine interest in working for the company. Always be aware of your language throughout the entire process; from the first email, through your application and right up to interview, as professionalism plays a key role in securing the job. Implementing the points above will increase your chances of capturing an employer’s attention and, most importantly, securing that interview. If you are looking for support in finding your next job, our team has over 35 years’ experience in matching job seekers to their perfect role and employers with their perfect candidate. Get in touch today to see how we can help and support you.