How to Stand out During Your Job Search

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The question I've been getting most often as the year enters its second half is how a person can stand out during their job search. In fact, it was the most asked question during my recent Get Hired Office Hours, which is an exclusive broadcast for LinkedIn Premium members.

While you may believe there is some elusive secret to getting interviews or even a job offer, the answer is probably going to leave many of you feeling disappointed. Why? Well, the truth is that you stand out best by adopting a solid job search strategy. 

I don't blame you if that's a tough reality to accept. Job searching right now is especially tough as employed people stay in their current roles and employers move slowly in the face of uncertainty. Yet, I assure you that being strategic in your job search is the best way to get noticed by employers.

What are the components of a good job search strategy? Also, what if that's still not leading to results? Well, we're spending this edition of Get Hired digging into these questions.

Choose a Target

When looking for work in a tough market, it may seem silly to narrow down your options. Yet, it's critical that you focus on jobs that you actually want and those where you can excel. The reasons are that your genuine interest plays a big part in moving the needle during the hiring process and companies are looking for people who can do well in their open roles.

Choosing a target in your job search requires some honest self reflection. Get out a notebook and pencil, fire up an AI bot to interview you, ask a friend for help or do all three. Be honest about what you want to do for work and the skills you bring to the table. Be realistic and identify an area of the labor market where those two pieces of the puzzle overlap most and where there is growth (hiring). The key is to narrow your focus enough to strategically pitch yourself as a great candidate for those roles. Doing so will set you apart from the dozens or hundreds of other candidates who barely meet the basic requirements.

Quality over Quantity

You probably read or heard me mention "quality over quantity" if you've followed this newsletter, my podcast or other work for any length of time. There is a reason I mention it so often — it's true, especially now. Employers are craving quality candidates with applications to match.

While AI has helped a lot of job seekers, the technology has also caused incredible headaches for employers and job seekers. Bots and plugins allow people to apply for thousands of jobs in short periods of time. Before that, many people were also utilizing the spray-and-pray method, which is the practice of mass applying to jobs with little regard to qualifications or interest. As a result of that noise, qualified candidates with solid applications not only stand out but are prized by employers.

Use AI Strategically (But Authentically)

Speaking of AI, you should feel confident incorporating it into your job search strategy, but don't rely on it too much or use it as a crutch. Too many people are taking resumes, cover letters and other job search materials directly from AI and sending them to employers. While recruiters and hiring managers shouldn't mind — and frankly should expect and applaud — candidates who use AI, it's another matter when it appears to be doing all the work. 

The key to successfully using AI during your job search is to always have it enhance your work and performance — not replace or duplicate it. Otherwise, you might as well suggest that the job can be done better by AI.

For example, prepare for an upcoming interview by telling an AI bot, such as ChatGPT or Copilot (owned by LinkedIn's parent company Microsoft), to act as the recruiter or hiring manager for the specific role at that company. Give the AI bot the job description for reference. Then, have it interview you for the role and critique your responses. 

Or, give an AI bot your standard resume and a role's job description. Ask the bot to suggest ways to tailor the resume to that specific role or company. The key is to make sure you go through the suggestions and be the final say on the change. Of course, you can also have AI guide you through resume creation, but — again — you should be leading the technology.

Build and Leverage Strategic Relationships

Networking is the fuel of a successful job search and career. A lot of people avoid it, though. I get it. Networking is rarely a natural skill. Also, many of us were taught really ineffective ways to connect with people. For example, I still cringe at the thought of being in a hotel ballroom with a bunch of strangers wearing "Hello, my name is…" stickers.

Despite those fears and desires to avoid people, reach out to your existing network — even if it's just your family and friends — to see if they know anyone in roles, companies or industries you want to target. Then, take a leap and reach out to people (strangers) in those areas for informational interviews. Many will say "no" or just not respond, but you'll eventually get a "yes."

Networking rarely works overnight and requires nuance. Make sure that you're focused on acquiring information, asking to be connected to other helpful people and offering assistance whenever possible. Avoid directly asking for a job or referral unless you have a well-established relationship with the person. Otherwise, you risk severing a new connection.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Of course, I can't close out this newsletter without mentioning LinkedIn. Your LinkedIn profile will — undoubtedly — be among the first representations of you that potential employers see. The information on your profile should align with your overall job search. 

For example, you shouldn't be applying for project management roles when your profile only showcases your skills as a software engineer.

Additionally, make sure you take full advantage of LinkedIn — beyond just your profile. One of the best ways to stand out from the crowd is to showcase your knowledge and expertise in your area of interest. Share articles about current events in your industry or profession with added value, such as what you're hearing from peers or what you see in your own work. Be sure to tag relevant companies and peers in the content, too.

Ultimately, these posts can highlight a deeper knowledge of the space you want to work in, showing recruiters and hiring managers you're more than a resume.

Troubleshooting Your Strategy

Even with all of this advice, some people will still struggle to nail down a job offer. In many cases, I find people often get stuck at one particular point in the job search process, which is generally universal: Search, Apply, Screening, Interviews, Offer, Negotiation, Done.

If you are failing to get any calls back, for example, it may be time to make sure you're targeting the right jobs and have high-quality application materials. Or, if you're not passing the first round of interviews, you may want to focus on your approach or preparation.

You should get closer and closer to an offer as you troubleshoot each step of the hiring process.

Until next time, stay well and best of luck.