5 Ways to Stand Out in your Job Hunt

You’ve got the degree, the ambition, and the drive… So why does it feel like you’re still one of many in the job market?  

The truth is, with thousands of jobseekers stepping into the workforce every year, simply having a resume isn’t enough. But here’s the good news: standing out from the crowd may not be as hard as you think. 

Imagine landing that dream role while others are still struggling to get noticed. We’ve unpacked some simple ways to make a memorable impression. 

So, no matter where you are in the hiring process, these strategies will help you stand out in the crowd.  

Personalise your branding 

Your brand is your professional identity, it’s the first way potential employers are able to judge you.   

When job hunting, your personal brand starts with your resume. So ensure you are presenting yourself in a positive light by listing relevant job experiences in chronological order. If you lack experience in your desired sector, highlight transferable skills from previous roles to demonstrate your ability to manage the new role. If space is limited, prioritise key experiences, and consider including extra-curricular activities only if they significantly contribute to your qualifications. 

Unlike a resume, LinkedIn allows you to fully customise your outward persona. You can add your volunteering experiences, certifications, follow companies you’re interested in, include a portfolio of your past works and even a short summary about your aspirations. According to Kathy Caprino, a Senior LinkedIn publisher, she states that the volunteering section adds “perspective and richness to your professional story and sheds light on what matters to you as a person.” This is particularly true for new graduates and those who have been out of the workforce for an extended time.  

Networking is the hidden secret 

Never underestimate the power of connections. As outlined in the 2024 Australian HR Institute’s report ‘Quarterly Australian Work Outlook’,  44% of recruitment is due to employee referrals or word of mouth. 

People often let the shame and vulnerability of being jobless overcome their need to ask for help. You need to remember that almost everyone has been in your shoes before. Redundancies are completely normal and if you let these feelings dominate, you will ultimately lengthen your job search and become more self-deprecating. Effective networking requires you to be honest and passionate so those you’re speaking to can see a clear reason why you’re perfect for a potential role.  

Master your elevator pitch 

You’re in an elevator, and suddenly, the hiring manager of your dream company steps in. Can you summarise who you are and what you bring to the table thirty seconds or less before the elevator stops? If not, it’s time to start.  

Firstly, introduce who you are: “I’m Mat. I’m currently in my last year at Monash University studying Bachelor of Business. I’m also volunteering for the Monash Daily Magazine as an editor.” 

Secondly, show off the skills that drive your career: “Last year, I interned at a magazine firm focused on detailing the struggles of homelessness. I created content and interviewed people who have suffered from poverty. From that experience, I learnt that I wanted to pursue a career path that will enable me to help people in underserved communities.” 

Finally, always ask an ending question: “I came to this networking event to learn from our alumni how they navigated their career paths. Could you tell me about how you decided to pursue a career as a magazine publisher?” 

Work with a recruiter 

Don’t put too much faith in hoping your job application makes it through the tracking system. This system’s job is to filter you out amongst the crowd. 

According to Forbes, companies need to narrow down the unmanageable number of applicants using a program called the Applicant Tracking Systems. With the employer’s limited time to check through hundreds of resumes, many can slip through the cracks. 

To improve your chances of landing a job, an often-overlooked step is to work with a professional recruitment agency. They have strong relationships with employers and can give you an edge, especially if you’re targeting a specific company that is not publicly advertising an opening.  Research the recruitment company to identify key hiring contacts and consider reaching out directly for advice.  

At Fuse Recruitment, we have recruitment consultants working across fields such as insurance, wealth management, manufacturing, infrastructure and utilities. You can access the key consultants in your dream field by visiting the “Meet Our Team” page to book an appointment.  

Show Your Enthusiasm 

During your interview, the hiring manager isn’t just looking for your skills and experience but also your personality. They want to know if you can fit in with the company’s culture and a person that they can relate to. An unspoken rule for job interviews is, to be honest, so don’t try to be someone you’re not. If you don’t feel like you can relate to the interviewer, it’s most likely that you won’t enjoy working with these people as well.  

After an interview, a polite follow-up email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows that you’re genuinely interested in the position and appreciate the opportunity. As stated by Indeed, a good time frame before making a follow-up call is between “one to two weeks after your interview.” Calling too soon can leave a bad impression, as it shows a lack of knowledge in the recruitment process, while calling too late may cause you to miss your window of opportunity. 

In today’s competitive job market, standing out is no easy feat, but it’s far from impossible. By focusing on your unique strengths, building connections, and staying adaptable, you can rise above the competition and secure the job you’ve always dreamt of. Remember, the key to success isn’t just in what you know, but in how you do it.  

So, get out there, make your mark, and let the world see what you’re truly capable of! 

If you’re looking to take the next step in your career journey, Contact us today to speak to our specialist team of consultants.