Are you ready to become part of the professional workforce? Or are you
simply ready for a job change? Either way, you can find yourself having trouble distinguishing yourself from others. Distinguishing yourself from others can be very difficult. If you feel that you are stuck in a pool of job seekers with professional résumés that resemble your own, it may be time for a drastic change.
Here are some ideas that will help you standout from the crowd:
- Create a personal brand. I have learned a lot about the advantages of personal branding in my current management class at the University of Nevada, Reno. In this class, I have learned a lot from my instructor, Dr. Bret L. Simmons, about the importance of creating your personal brand and having a clean and professional online presence. Having an online presence such as a professional website or a professional blog can help you standout, and it will provide the recruiter the curiosity necessary to distinguish your résumé from the others.
- Create a Professional Blog. Having a professional blog can help you define and specify your personal brand. It will also help you stand out from the rest of the candidates. Like I just mentioned in my previous point, by adding the web address or the link of your website or blog to your résumé, you will look more professional and responsible and you will be able to be distinguishable from others.
- Create your own résumé template. If you are getting ready to change or create a new résumé, I suggest you to create and personalize your own template. I am sure that using an already set template, such as Microsoft templates, might be easier, but your résumé will end up looking dull and boring, and as a result, it could end up in the pile of résumés that the recruiters do not even bother to check. Another important thing you have to remember when creating your résumé is to never lie on your résumé, lying alone can cost you a job opportunity.
- Prepare for the interview. If you manage to get an interview, you have to keep in mind that the interview is the most important section of the job seeking process. The interview is where you have the opportunity to impress the interviewer. First of all, you have to do your homework before the interview and take the time to research the company. Learn specifics about the ups and downs of the company. Learn about its top management (names and actions), and also the culture of the company. Learning a few things about the recruiter is a plus.
- Dress to impress. At the time of the interview, make sure you are dress in accordance with the company’s culture, but make sure you look professional. If you are seeking a professional position, you have to be very careful about what you wear. Make sure you do not look too old or too young for your age. Also, make sure that you do not look to flashy with bright colors, or too dull with all one dark color, and remember to keep jewelry to a minimum. If you are wearing a dress suit, make sure that the skirt is not too long or too short; knee length might be a good idea.
- Be confident. Once you are in the conference room with the recruiter, show confidence at all times. Always think about what you are going to answer and keep eye contact with the interviewer as much as possible. When you are asked to express your weak points make sure you make them sound strong. Remember that every question is an opportunity to live a positive impression. Another way you can impress the interviewer is by asking questions. It is a good idea to ask question about the company on subjects that you have previously researched; doing so can help the interviewer become aware of your interest for the company.
- Never put a price tag on your experience. When it come speaking about $Salary, make your that you do not put a price tag on your experience. Doing so can restrict you for getting more. When employers ask the question “how much would you like to get paid?” they usually have a number already in mind. They way you answer your can go both ways, if its too much that you are asking for they will dismiss you as strong candidate, if you say a number too low, they might just settle for that. Be smart and wait for their offer. If there is room to bargain, do not be afraid to do so.
Change is always scary, but if it is necessary to open more job opportunities, then it must be done. Each and every one of these points I have learn it from various recruiters that come to speak in many of my management classes. Take advantage of these points and do not be afraid to standout from the crowd.
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