What do you do if your job applications are not standing out in a competitive market?

If your job applications aren't standing out in a competitive market, it's time to reassess and refine your approach. Start by thoroughly researching the companies and roles you're applying for to tailor your applications to their specific needs and culture. Highlight your unique skills, experiences, and achievements that directly align with the job requirements. Consider seeking feedback on your resume and cover letter from trusted peers or professionals in your field to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, invest in developing new skills or certifications that could make you a more attractive candidate. Networking can also be invaluable; reach out to contacts in your industry for advice, referrals, or informational interviews

Tailor your CV as per the industry requirements. What do recruiters want in your CV and adhere to the industry norms. Make sure that your CV has all the relevant details and information which will help your application stand out from the crowd. Try to do something distinctive and unique. Avoid using overly fancy templates as they are not good. ??

Resumes/Cover Letters: Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application to highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Tailoring your application materials to match the job requirements and company culture can help you stand out to employers. Highlight Your Achievements: Instead of just listing your job responsibilities, emphasize your achievements and contributions in previous roles. Use quantifiable metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the impact you've made. Your Skills: Stay current with industry trends and develop new skills that are in demand. Consider pursuing certifications, attending workshops, or taking online courses to enhance your skill set and make yourself more marketable to employers.

Humans are naturally drawn to stories, which you can use to your advantage in your job application. Instead of merely listing skills, tell the story of how you acquired them and how they apply to the job you want. Show, don't just tell, your skills in your cover letter. For example, demonstrate your communication abilities by writing fluidly and cohesively. Even a touch of humor can make your letter stand out by adding personality. By connecting your experiences to the job in a narrative, you're not just another applicant; you're a candidate with a unique story and valuable skills.

Network effectively to find relevant people as per your profile. You might be a finance queen or maybe a marketing queen. You must find people who are relevant to your industry and connect with them accordingly. Try to understand what they are looking for from the labour market and make changes in your professional profile accordingly.

Networking plus tailoring your CV according to the job would help in today's times. Reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn, via events, or any other place where there is a proper platform for you to communicate with the respective individual, then you should look forward to it. Don't blatantly start the conversation with you 'requiring' a job, rather just discuss the industry, the trends going on, their personal experiences, their work life and more.

Your skills are of no use if you don't flaunt and showcase them on a big scale. How? * Give a good interview. Try to explain and convince the recruiter that you possess experience and capabilities regarding a particular skill. * Use LinkedIn for your advantage. Commenting on relevant posts with critical information is a very good way. Answering industry based questions and earning badges is also another way of showcasing skills. * Try to do good and relevant online courses to develop and hone those skills.

After submitting an application, you should always follow up via phone one week later and say something like “hey I’m just calling to check the status of my application”. When being hired, employers notice those who show their interest by reaching out, as many individuals most likely do not reach out