What do you do if you need an edge in a competitive job market?

Keep a palette of content for your resume divided into categories by various roles and/or situations that you might be applying for. Add and remove as you see fit. Like a Mr. Potato head resume. Or a Barbie resume. Or something else that works like that.

From my experience, I've found that customizing application materials is essential in standing out in a crowded field of applicants. _By carefully tailoring your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experiences and skills relevant to each job opportunity, you will be able to demonstrate genuine interest and suitability for the role. _This approach not only shows employers that you've done your homework but also allows you to make a compelling case for why you're the ideal candidate.

Highlight quantifiable achievements that show impact. Did you streamline a process, saving the company time or money? Numbers grab attention. Also, tailor your resume to each job, showcasing the most relevant skills they seek. This extra effort makes you stand out from the crowd.

As a CPRW, I've worked with clients to create visually appealing resumes that grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers at first glance. Choosing the right format and layout is crucial in making a strong first impression. I've found that a clean and well-organized design, coupled with strategic use of white space and bold headings, can enhance readability and draw attention to key sections of the resume.

Tailoring your resume for each job application is crucial for standing out among other candidates. By meticulously analyzing the job description and incorporating relevant keywords and experiences, you demonstrate your genuine interest and suitability for the position. Highlight your most pertinent accomplishments and skills, while omitting less relevant details, to ensure your resume effectively communicates your fit for the role.

If your resume feels cluttered or messy you are 100% not going to be at the top. Less is more. Your résumé’s life philosophy should be ‘do no harm’ or ‘Less is more’ - actually a synergy of both.

The format of a cv is extremely important! Most of the jobseekers don’t know that but the ATS system can detect if a cv’s format is correct or not. So in a nutshell, the higher the score on the ATS system the better ????

The visual presentation of your resume holds considerable weight. Opt for a clean, professional layout that facilitates easy information retrieval by hiring managers. Use bold and italics judiciously to emphasize crucial points without compromising readability. Maintain a font size of 10 to 12 points, and stick to conventional fonts for clarity. While a touch of creativity is welcome, avoid excessive stylization that might overshadow the content.

Formatting is everything but commonly overlooked. If there are spelling errors If columns aren't aligned + No targeted keywords No tangible achievements = No impact or engagement And endless applications. Don't stress out....there is a way around all of this. Just Ask.

Strategically employ bold and italics to highlight essential details without overwhelming the reader. Maintain readability with a font size between 10 to 12 points, opting for traditional fonts to enhance clarity. Balance creativity with simplicity to ensure the focus remains on your qualifications and achievements.

Highlight success but be sure not to fluff in the wrong places. A resume is annoying to people by nature bc it is known to be a puff piece written by the subject. What could be worse or more boring? Even the author usually finds it insanely boring. Boredom leads to annoyance, annoyance leads to irritation and irritation leads to aggression. BS meters are very high at all of those stages. Do inspire people towards that with your resume. Be real. Don’t puff if a little pin ?? will pop the stat.

Shift the focus of your resume from listing job duties to highlighting successes and achievements. Provide specific examples and quantify results whenever feasible. Whether it's increasing sales or enhancing efficiency, specify the magnitude of your impact. This approach transforms your resume into an active demonstration of your potential value to the company.

Every market is a "?????????????????????? ????????????"... PERIOD! Since the average job opening attracts 250 applications with some getting nearly 1,000 we need every edge we can muster! A job description is nothing more than a "set of problems" that the hiring manager is trying to SOLVE... Knowing this, IS THE FIRST EDGE you have!!! Customize your cover letter and resume for each job you apply for and SOLVE those problems! ?????? ???????????? ?????????????? ???????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? ?????????????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ?????????? ?????? ????????????????????, ?????? ?????????? ???????? ???? ?????? ?????????? ?????? ???????????? ??????????????!

Steal this: My Master "Resume Bullet" Framework: When crafting bullets, list the problems 1st you encountered (that's easy!) - no SOPs when I started - team morale low - no data integrity Then explain what you did in STAR: (situation-task-action-result) Situation: I started with no SOPs in Recruiting division Tasks: I took ownership and created them with leadership buy in Actions: Gathered intel, held meetings, created Sharepoint drive Results: Improved data transparency, streamlined processes, surged performance 25% Then pull it all together: Initiated the creation of SOPs for the recruitment division in partnership with leadership; centralized protocols in SharePoint for data integrity which surged performance by 25%. Voila!

I always tell my attorney candidates to put specific types of cases they've worked on and highlight any wins rather than generic terms for the type of work they do.

Networking can help you land a job 10 times faster than a normal approach! So my advice for jobseekers is to tailor their resumes correctly and approach people on linkedin with A LOT of connections: they can help you find a job easier ????

Your network is your Net Worth! . . . It's easy to stay hidden an apply all day. But we grow by leveraging community. Don't ignore this key step. Everyday I meet people that transform my personal, business or professional journey. What I've gained by doing so, cannot be quantified in value. #priceless

Apply to fewer and more well-suited roles. Right now, there are thousands of applicants who are just hitting that inapply. If you want to stand out, you need to be the most or one of the most obvious choices for the role. If you were one of the people just hitting apply inapply or easyapply, it’s going to be a long shot. If you are applying to something that’s really a perfect fit for you then you’re definitely going to have a better chance. You’ll also be able to net work more effectively…

Networking is a powerful tool for improving job prospects. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with alumni. Prioritize building genuine relationships over seeking immediate favors. Clearly articulate your goals and strengths. Remember, sometimes who you know is as crucial as what you know.

So there are 2 parts to it: 1/ Network strategically: Connect with professionals in your field. Attend industry events, join online communities, and leverage LinkedIn to build your network. 2/ Highlight your personal brand: Develop a strong online presence. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and showcases your skills and experience. Consider creating a professional website or online portfolio, especially for creative fields. Be clear about your career goals. When you articulate your ambitions with clarity and passion, you become a more attractive candidate.

Continuous skill improvement is crucial in today's job market. Seek certifications, online courses, or workshops to enhance your resume. Demonstrating a commitment to professional development can boost your candidacy and highlight your dedication to staying current in your field.

STOP sending 100s of blind applications. Instead, jot down your skills and focus on researching the company's needs and the relevance of the job to your profile and passion. Go the extra mile in understanding the challenges and showcasing your solution skills on your resume. Focus on continuous learning, strong networking, and tailoring your resume and cover letters for each application. Create a strong online presence and have a portfolio of work to present. Add the portfolio link to your resume. Lastly, maintain a positive and persistent attitude throughout the job search process ??

To add competitive edge in job market, find out the required skills relevant to your job role that are in industry demand and acquire those skillsets that would leverage your chances of securing rewarding career opportunities.

Continuous skill improvement is essential for professional growth. In today's digital age, if you are not investing in your skillset, you'll be left behind. It's as simple as that!

Take advantage of online learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning to access a wide range of courses and tutorials covering various skills and topics. These platforms offer flexible learning options that fit your schedule and learning style.

Find others who have walked along the path you are trekking. There are so many elements to every career path, why wouldn’t you benefit from someone who has done that all before?

More often I have seen people hesitate asking for help and mentorship, when it's one of the best ways to build oneself up. Learning from those who have been in your shoes already goes a long way.

Approach potential mentors authentically and express your admiration for their work. Engage in meaningful conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow.

About 25 years ago I was recruiting for my first Executive Assistant. I had a TON of applicants. This was before online applications were a thing and before I launched the ATS compliance standards initiative. All applicants came via fax, mail, or were hand delivered. One applicant stood out from the crowd. The resume had a teabag stapled to it and in the cover letter she requested I review her resume over a cup of tea, on her. She accomplished the most difficult first task, getting seen. I called her in for an interview and hired her. Moral of the story? Make it personal. Find one thing you can do to make personal contact with the employer and make that first impression that cuts through the haze and numbers. Help them see you.

??Stay updated on industry trends & keep improving your skills through courses/workshops/certifications. ??Connect with professionals online/offline, attend events & join organizations to open up more opportunities. ??Tailor your resume & cover letter to each job, emphasizing relevant skills & experiences. ??Focus on what you've achieved rather than just your duties, as employers value accomplishments. ??Research companies & practice answering common questions to show how you fit their needs & culture. ??Showcase your ability to learn quickly & adapt to change, which employers value in a dynamic job market. ??Get input from mentors/peers to improve your application materials & interview skills.

I make sure my clients are a good fit for the role to begin with. They must be high performers and have achievements in spades. Their competitive edge is that they know they're the best, they're high achievers and they're smart enough to hire someone who is better at marketing them than they are. They stick to their expertise and they let me weave my expertise and magic into their job application to make sure their competitive advantage is highlighted succinctly in their application.

In addition to traditional full-time roles, consider exploring alternative opportunities such as freelance work, contract positions, or remote work arrangements. These options can provide valuable experience, expand your network, and potentially lead to more long-term opportunities.