Simple Ways to Make Your Job Application Stand Out

While the UK jobless rate has fallen to 4.2% between April and June, finding a job isn’t always easy. For some jobs, competition is fierce and there are often hundreds of applicants for one role.

With so much competition, it’s important to make your application stand out from the crowd, many of whom might have similar skills and experience to you. Use these simple tips to help your CV, cover letter and overall application shine. There are some great cover letter templates you can use to make your cover letter stand out!

Research the Company Thoroughly

Before applying, thoroughly research the company, the role and the industry. The internet is your friend here. Understand their goals, values, history and competitors. Highlight in your cover letter and interview how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs, whatever they might be. For example, if the company places a strong emphasis on sustainability, mention this in your cover letter. 

Show them you took time to understand what they do versus blindly applying. Check their social media channels and website for key information. This extra effort demonstrates your strong interest in the role.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter

A cover letter is your chance to expand on your CV and share why you’re an ideal candidate. Avoid repeating the same exact information from your CV. Instead, use the cover letter to share more details on relevant accomplishments and skills. Explain why you’re passionate about the role and how it aligns with your career goals. Address the letter directly to the hiring manager. Personalise each cover letter to match the job description. Generic letters come across as lacklustre. Use your cover letter to make a great first impression.

Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience

Carefully review the job description and highlight in your application where you have matching skills and experience. Don’t just rely on past job titles. Demonstrate through measurable achievements how you used certain skills. Quantify your accomplishments such as by mentioning increased sales volumes, efficiency improvements or high customer satisfaction scores you directly impacted. This showcases you have the required abilities to excel in the role.

Update Your CV

Before applying, rework and polish your CV. Keep the information clear, concise and achievement-focused. Only include relevant skills, experience and education. Remove unnecessary photos or graphics that could distract. Also, nothing hurts your chances more than typos and other errors in your application. Carefully proofread it for spelling and grammar mistakes which suggest a lack of attention to detail. Read sections aloud to catch awkward phrasing. Errors are inevitable when you only rely on spell check. Slow down and thoroughly check everything multiple times before submitting. Ask a friend or career advisor to review your CV with fresh eyes. Their feedback can help identify areas to improve.

Showcase Other Relevant Abilities

Don’t limit your application to just paid work experience. Demonstrate a passion for learning by listing relevant seminars, conferences, training courses and educational certificates. Share any volunteer work, publications, awards and professional affiliations indicating related skills. For example, project management skills used organising charity events. This gives a broader picture of your abilities.

Apply Promptly

Don’t delay in submitting your application as soon as a job is posted. Positions get filled quickly with early applicants. Being one of the first shows enthusiasm. Late applications tend to get overlooked in the flood. Set up job alerts on sites like Indeed so you’re notified when relevant new roles arise. Prepare your materials in advance so you can apply within the first day or two.

Follow Application Instructions

Read the instructions carefully and follow them exactly. Some employers want applications submitted a specific way such as via online portal versus email. Provide requested items like work samples or professional references. Not following instructions properly makes you seem inattentive. Double check that you included everything needed to avoid having your application excluded. 

Send a Follow Up Message

About a week after applying, follow up to reiterate your strong interest. Email the hiring manager or recruiter to check on the status of hiring. Keep the message brief. Thank them for considering your application and mention that your skills make you an ideal fit. Don’t call frequently as that comes across as pushy. If they select you, the follow up shows persistence.

Applying for jobs can be tiresome. But taking extra steps makes your application more compelling. Do your research, personalise materials and highlight relevant skills. With a polished CV, strong cover letter and thorough approach, your application will stand out from the competition.