How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market
The job market is more competitive than ever. With hundreds of applicants for every role, simply having the right skills isn’t enough—you need to position yourself as the obvious choice.
But here’s the good news: standing out is not about luck—it’s about strategy.
In this post, we’ll break down practical steps to help you tailor your CV, optimise your LinkedIn profile, and build a personal brand that makes employers take notice.
Tailor Your CV for Every Application
Your CV is your first impression, and if it’s not tailored to the job you’re applying for, you might as well not send it. A generic CV won’t get you through the door.
How to make your CV stand out:
Use keywords from the job description – Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs. If your CV doesn’t contain the right terms, it may never be seen by a hiring manager.
Customise your professional summary – This section should clearly state why you’re the right fit for this specific job. Avoid generic statements.
Quantify your achievements – Instead of saying “Managed marketing campaigns,” say “Increased engagement by 45% through targeted marketing campaigns.” Numbers stand out.
Keep it clean and readable – Hiring managers skim CVs. Make yours easy to read by using clear headings, bullet points, and a structured format.
Pro Tip: Before submitting your CV, read the job description again and ask yourself: Does my CV clearly reflect what they’re looking for? If not, tweak it!
Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile
Recruiters and hiring managers actively search for candidates on LinkedIn—and if your profile isn’t optimised, you could be missing out on opportunities before even applying.
How to improve your LinkedIn profile:
Use a professional photo – A clear, high-quality photo makes your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed.
Write a compelling headline – Instead of “Marketing Professional,” try “Data-Driven Digital Marketer | Specialising in Paid Ads & SEO.”
Craft an engaging “About” section – This isn’t just a bio—it’s your personal pitch. Showcase your strengths, experience, and unique value.
Add measurable achievements to your experience – Just like your CV, quantify your success. What impact did you make? What results did you drive?
Engage with content – Share articles, comment on posts, and make yourself visible. The more active you are, the more likely you’ll appear in recruiters’ searches.
Quick Exercise: Search for a job title you’re interested in on LinkedIn. Do the top candidates have better headlines, summaries, or engagement than you? If yes, it’s time to improve your profile.
Build a Strong Personal Brand
Your CV and LinkedIn aren’t just documents—they’re your personal brand. They form the first impression a hiring manager gets of you, and if they look messy, outdated, or unimpressive, you won’t stand out.
Your personal brand includes:
Your online presence – LinkedIn, portfolios, or any professional platforms you’re on.
How you communicate your value – Every element of your profile and CV should reinforce why you’re a strong candidate.
Consistency across platforms – If your CV says one thing but your LinkedIn says something different, it creates confusion.
Pro Tip: Google yourself. What comes up? If it’s not helping your job search, it might be hurting it.
Take Ownership of Your Job Search
There are things you can’t control—hiring managers’ preferences, internal candidates, industry demand. But one thing is fully within your control: the effort you put into your job search.
You can:
Improve your CV and tailor it for every job.
Optimise your LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters.
Build a strong personal brand that reflects your skills and expertise.
Network, engage, and put yourself in front of the right opportunities.
If you’re not putting in the effort, someone else is—and they’re the ones getting the interviews.
Final Thoughts
Standing out in a competitive job market isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. Take action today.
Tailor your CV for every role – Use keywords, structure it well, and quantify your achievements.
Optimise your LinkedIn profile – Make sure it reflects your expertise, is engaging, and attracts recruiters.
Strengthen your personal brand – Present yourself consistently across platforms to showcase your value.
Take ownership – No one is going to hand you opportunities. You have to put in the work.
The job market is competitive, but those who put in the effort will stand out. Will you be one of them?
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