How To Stand Out During The Online Application Process

It’s the question every entry level graduate is asking. How do I stand out from the crowd when I’m applying for a job and I don’t have much work experience or skills to differentiate me from the other applicants?

Well there are ways, some are to do with your application itself but others are more to do with how you handle yourself and the process.

Follow these tips and even if you don’t get the job this time around, you’ll stand out and be remembered positively by a recruiter, whether agency or internal:

1. Make sure your resume is clear, well set out and informative. Make it easy for the recruiter to read and make sure the format translates well to being printed out.  Test print it!
2. Add a covering letter with any other information that may be useful and say why you are interested you are in the job. This can help create rapport and we are surprised how few people do it and what a difference it makes.
3. Give the recruiter the information they need. Read the advertisement and make sure you have covered off the important points. Don’t wait for the interview. If it isn’t in your resume either put it in or put it in your covering letter or email.
4. If you have achieved any type of award SAY SO or if you have an active public blog or written articles, let the recruiter know and be sure to include links.
5. Please, please check your grammar, spelling and general punctuation. Most job require good written communications.  If a recruiter sees lots of typos or errors in your resume it’s a big turnoff. Attention to how it is written will make you stand out for your general professionalism.
6. Ensure your Linkedin profile and any other social media you use reflects your professionalism. It is a fact, you will be judged on how you manage social media platforms and how you conduct yourself publicly. A key skill for HR people is the exercising of good judgment. So think about the impression you create. Lots of people don’t so it can be to your advantage to pay it attention.
7. Be respectful. If an agency or internal recruiter doesn’t get back to you, follow up and be patient. The recruiter will appreciate that.
8. Be selective about what you apply for and don’t be a serial applicant. Some people think they should apply for anything and everything, don’t be tempted. It shows a lack of judgment and understanding of where you are in the marketplace.
9. Take responsibility for managing your application. Don’t just sit back and hope for the best. Deal with the recruiter and the role with intelligence and thought. This role may not be the one for you but the recruiter will remember how you handled yourself during this application, so market yourself with the longer term in mind.
10. Read our Top 10 Resume Tips for Entry Level Applicants.