How to Stand Out in A Competitive Job Market

In today’s economic climate, job-seekers and employees are facing a number of challenges, not least of which is the fact that it can be difficult to secure employment. The reality is that there are more suitable candidates than there are positions, which is leading to tough conditions for jobseekers.

Whether you’re unemployed and looking for a job, or someone who is employed but looking for a new position, the job market can seem fraught with problems and filled to the brim with other applicants just as qualified for the job as you are. As a job seeker, you want to stand out from the crowd, ensure that your resume is impressive and your application is memorable. That’s why we’ve set up these four handy tips to help you stand out and succeed when looking for a job.

• Improve your skills

In a competitive job market, your skills are critical for setting your application apart from that of other applicants. Leadership skills, business skills, technological skills and more could potentially be very valuable when you’re opening yourself up to securing new employment.  

Upskilling yourself does not necessarily have to be an expensive process- do some research to find out whether nearby universities or colleges offer short courses, whether your employer offers support for training or investigate free or inexpensive online courses.

• Networking is crucial

The old saying: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” continues to carry some weight. While it’s not the most important factor to consider, networking remains a valuable way to get leads, secure job interviews or find a mentor.

You can make connections and build relationships by attending industry events, joining your alma mater’s alumni group, connecting with local Facebook and LinkedIn pages for your group and so much more.

• Update your CV

Your CV is your first introduction to prospective employers and should be fine-tuned and tailored to create the best possible first impression. Always include the vital information like your skillset, career, work experience and education. Remember to review your CV regularly to add new skills acquired and achievements reached.

Prepare for the interview

This seemingly simple step is one that many job-seekers overlook: prepare for your interviews! Before you head out to meet with potential employers, always be sure to do some research on the company and the position that you’re interviewing for. Be prepared to answer basic questions about the company and prepare responses that are thoughtful and show off your knowledge and professionalism.

Professional Sourcing has a strong reputation for highly developed recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas. We develop strong long-term relationships with our loyal clients. Allow us to help you deal with your frustrations of a lengthy hiring process.

Professional Sourcing is a top-tier South African-based recruitment agency operating internationally, IPM accredited, LEVEL 2 BEE RATED and 51% Black Owned.