How to make your job application stand out

Only 20% of jobs are advertised. So, when you see one you like I want you to ‘throw your hat in the ring’. You have nothing to lose.

Today’s tip is: to stand out from other candidates and get noticed you need to demonstrate more than just your experience.

I recommend you share your unique, transferrable strengths, and pitch them in a way that shows your future manager that you can solve problems they face now and in the future.

Ideally, do that in 3 or 4 of these categories:

1. Building relationships, e.g. “The role description talks about stakeholder management: I’m known for building rapport quickly and gaining stakeholders’ trust to develop a way forward.”
2. Driving results: “I’m a ‘leader as coach’ and maximise teams to get things done.”
3. Influencing others: “I can communicate complex information clearly and concisely to reach agreement and build momentum quickly.”
4. Problem solving or strategic thinking: “People come to me for help to solve process and system issues as, with over 15 years’ experience, I can instinctively find a way forward.”

I have a guide and cheat sheet that walks you through identifying your unique strengths.

You can find out more about your strengths with my Next Role in 30 Days (strengths mini-masterclass) bundle.