How to stand out to employers during your job search

With so many job applications, how can yours stand out? This is usually the challenge for most job seekers. You might be the best fit for the job, but so long as your profile does not get noticed, your chances of getting hired are very slim.

Here are some tips from the experts of Excel’s Recruitment Division:

Set up a Linkedin profile, and it should not just be any profile. Include carefully worded keywords that will help increase your searchability. Employers and recruiters spend a lot of time looking into Linkedin profiles that best meet their requirements and they expedite the search by using specific phrases that align with what they are looking for. So, when you find the job opening that you want to apply to, include the keywords that they use in their job posting, their vision and mission as a company, and their core values.

Highlight competencies and feature projects and accomplishments. Always put your best foot forward when packaging your competencies and accomplishments. You know the industry you want to work with, so you know what they are looking for. So, position your profile in such a way that meets these needs. Never present anything that is not true about your skills and background, but package these accordingly. Gone are the days when using “exceptional English skills” is titillating for prospective employers. Instead, “produce quality written output that meets the objectives using the English language.” When speaking about accomplishments, quote quantifiable and measurable results: “Increased revenue by 20%” that saved the company “$XXX number of dollars”.

Encourage referrals and recommendations from previous clients and employers. Like how testimonials work in shaping the image of a product or service, these referrals and recommendations help build your credibility. It reinforces your potential as an asset to an organization. Thus, never burn bridges with previous employers or clients. Rather, build your personal and professional network. If you have a job prospect, connect directly with the hiring manager through LinkedIn. This would increase your chances of getting noticed and would give you the opportunity to follow up on your application. Just remember to only engage with hiring managers as needed. If you message them more than what is needed, this could signal a red flag and may result in you getting banned or blacklisted.

Work with a reputable recruitment firm. More and more companies rely on recruitment firms to fill vacant positions. Thus, your application will have more chances of getting considered if you work with a recruitment company. Make sure to work with only the best in the industry that has outstanding track record not just in recruitment and human resources but in various industries.

Excel Guyana’s Recruiting Division’s more than 30 years of leadership experience has helped companies grow their business and offer support in various facets of their operation including recruitment. Not only does Excel get the best candidates for the job, but it can also help job seekers find sustainable employment in various sectors including government relations and orientation, construction management, procurement and logistics, human resource, accounting, among others.

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Akeisha Cave

Akeisha Cave

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