What do you do if you want to stand out in the job market?

Make sure your CV/online application form is as complete as it can be No clichés, and tailoring to the job description/person specification as much as possible

Don’t just build skills, build transferable career skills. BTW, you likely already have some of these skills. What are the skills that are of value to both yourself & the industries you want to be part of? Are critical thinking & technology important or communication & leadership in demand? Now take a step back and review your life story… not just your jobs, but what about the volunteering you did? What about that class you took? What are the other things you did that you learned or sharpened a skill? Think constantly about the transferable career skills you have & are building. Now the Pro Tip: Practice articulating them – on your resume, LinkedIn, & in an interview – brag about how awesome you really are!

In a competitive job market, differentiation is key. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job, highlighting relevant skills and quantified achievements. Network strategically, building authentic connections rather than simply collecting contacts. Develop a strong personal brand that showcases your unique value proposition. Stay up-to-date on industry trends and continuously upskill to remain relevant and attractive to employers.

Tailor Your Application Materials: Customize your resume, cover letter, and any other application materials to match the specific requirements and culture of each company you're applying to. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that directly align with the job description.

Showcase Your Unique Value Proposition: Identify and articulate what sets you apart from other candidates. Highlight your unique skills, experiences, certifications, or achievements that demonstrate your value to prospective employers.

Customize Your Application Materials: Tailor your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to each job application, highlighting relevant experiences and achievements.

Build your personal brand by being authentic. Drop all these advices like "fake it till you make it". The will make you unhappy and hinder your personality to develop. Look at what you have already achieved. You can present it without boasting or bragging. Be clear about your own values. Do you know them? Do they fit the values of the company, the employer and the future position? Or do you have to deny them or yourself in order to get the position? If you know your values, you will find your USP quickly, your self-presentation skills will come easy to you and your potential employer will see a person who is self-confident and who knows what he/she stands for. The impression you leave then is a honest one.

Build a Strong Online Presence: Maintain a professional and up-to-date LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Share relevant articles, insights, and industry knowledge to showcase your expertise and passion for your field.

Network Actively: Build professional relationships by attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and reaching out to contacts for informational interviews.

Network in Unexpected Places. Don't limit your networking efforts to traditional platforms like LinkedIn or industry events. Think outside the box and network in unexpected places such as online forums, social media groups, or even hobby clubs. You never know where you might find your next job opportunity or valuable connection.

For me, to stand out in the job market, smart networking is crucial - in Switzerland 70% of Jobs are not officially posted online! 1. Identify Key Contacts: Target individuals in your desired industry who can provide insights and opportunities. 2. Engage Thoughtfully: Have meaningful conversations that go beyond superficial interactions. Show genuine interest and value to others. 3. Follow Up Effectively: Cultivate relationships by following up in ways that reinforce your interest and the value you bring. You'll build a network of meaningful relationships that enhances your visibility and positions you favorably for future opportunities.

One way to make a smart first impression is to personalize your approach as much as possible, and focus NOT on your objective, but on your contact's characteristics. What brings you together? What interests do you have in common? What strikes you about his/ her profile?

Network Proactively: Attend industry events, job fairs, and networking mixers to connect with professionals in your field. Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to reach out to professionals for informational interviews or to ask for advice. Building relationships can often lead to hidden job opportunities.

Gain Additional Skills and Certifications: Invest in continuous learning by acquiring new skills, certifications, or completing relevant courses to enhance your qualifications and stay competitive.

Launch a Passion Project: Stand out from the crowd by starting a passion project related to your industry or field of interest. Whether it's a blog, podcast, YouTube channel, or community initiative, showcasing your expertise and creativity through a passion project demonstrates your proactive attitude and commitment to continuous learning.

Continuously Learn and Grow: Invest in your professional development by pursuing relevant certifications, attending workshops, or taking online courses to enhance your skills and knowledge. Stay informed about industry trends and developments to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning.

Showcase Your Achievements: Highlight your accomplishments and quantifiable results in your application materials and interviews to demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Treat yourself to a reflection process. Daily, weekly, monthly ... To realize where you have to adjust or adapt your actions and learnings, to be on track with your projects and your leadership skills, to honor also small successes. And acknowledge the work of the team. Without a team you cannot be a leader.

Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Research the company culture and values of the organizations you're interested in and align your application materials and interview responses accordingly. Show genuine enthusiasm for the company's mission and vision.

As Oscar Wilde once quipped, "Be yourself, everyone else is taken." Have the courage to express your opinions even if they run counter to current trends. Although social media prefers "hot topics" and "catch phrases" and soundbytes.... give thoughtful responses to questions where you feel that you can really ADD VALUE. IF you are indeed adding value, you will attract the attention (or admiration) of the RIGHT person...the person who shares your values at least admires your courage! Too many people rehash or reformulate other people's ideas. Sincerity, humility and creativity are other attributes which we don't see enough of on this platform and could be a positive way of standing out.

Craft a Visual Resume Infographic: Ditch the traditional resume format and opt for an eye-catching infographic that showcases your skills, experiences, and achievements in a visually appealing way. Use colours, icons, and graphics to highlight key points and make a memorable impression on recruiters. Offer a Unique Value Proposition: Identify what sets you apart from other candidates and craft a unique value proposition that highlights your strengths and what you can bring to the table. Whether it's your diverse background, niche skill set, or innovative ideas, showcasing your unique value proposition can make you irresistible to employers.

Manners and politeness seem to be forgotten so often. By this I mean the manners towards team members, secretaries, porters etc. They are the informal marketing team and spread the news about your behavior.

Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions, rehearse your responses, and be ready to provide specific examples of your achievements and experiences. Showcase your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to collaborate effectively with others.

Find your passion and strengths as a leader. This involves understanding what motivates and drives you in your professional endeavours. It's about identifying the areas of work where you excel, where you feel fulfilled, and where you can make the greatest impact. Passion fuels commitment, resilience, and innovation, all of which are essential qualities for effective leadership. By aligning your career pursuits with your passions and leveraging your inherent strengths, you can set yourself apart in the competitive job market. This alignment enables you to attract opportunities for leadership roles that resonate with your unique capabilities and aspirations, propelling you towards fulfilling and impactful career paths.