Wondering how to get recruiters to approach you? In the job market, competition is fierce; in order to stand out from the crowd and dazzle recruiters, you have to be extra creative. Your two objectives: highlight your strengths and set yourself apart from the crowd. But how? Follow our advice and show employers that you’re the ideal candidate!
Send an impressive application
When you look for work, it’s tempting to blast your resume en-masse to hundreds of companies without tailoring it to each position. But if you’re sending a generic application, how do you expect to stand out and show that you’re the perfect fit for the position? You need to resist the urge to do this. To apply for a position (or to spontaneously send your credentials to a company), what do you need to send to the hiring manager?
There’s no way around it: you need to send a resume. This precious document presents your qualifications in a concise and engaging manner — a hell of a challenge. It should list your professional experience, education, and skills. There isn’t really any room for creativity here. To make yours stand out, choose a sleek, modern design. Be careful not to overdo it; a resume is a professional document. And, of course, include a few bits of personal information, like your hobbies and passions. Authentic touches like these make a difference, especially if they’re original.
But should you or should you not include your photo? Simply put, it’s up to you. Adding a photo humanizes the resume and lets the recruiter match your face to the words on the page. If you decide to include one, choose it carefully. Don’t use a selfie, ID photo, vacation pic, cropped group photo, etc. Opt for a well-lit photo with a nice outfit (leave the suit and tie in your closet, but avoid that polo with the holes) and, of course, a nice smile. The recruiter will look forward to meeting you face-to-face!
Next, write a powerful and original cover letter. It should serve to complete your resume and to show that you’re the best man for the job. Include specific anecdotes and examples as a finishing touch.
Finally, use the digital age to your advantage! Are you active on social networks like LinkedIn and Twitter? Invite your future employer to your page. Do you run an interesting blog? Put the address in your resume. Have the soul of an actor/scriptwriter/director? Why not introduce yourself… in a video? This original and quirky approach certainly won’t bore the recruiters!
At the interview: be different!
Congratulations, you were chosen thanks to your impressive application! And now, the interview: a new occasion to prove that you’re the perfect candidate. Know that because everyone at this stage has similar qualifications, the recruiter will base their decision on other factors.
To showcase yourself, identify your personal brand and what differentiates you from others. It could be a character trait, a past experience, a hobby, etc. For example, if they’re looking for a candidate who is:
- Patient and tolerant? Say that you’re as patient as a saint when your little niece wants to play the same game with you for three hours straight…. every single Sunday.
- Committed and invested? Tell them about the volunteer work you do on Saturdays.
- Has team spirit? tell them about the volleyball team you’ve been a member of for the past eight years!
Before the interview, do your research on the company. In addition to conveying your interest, this will create some familiarity with the recruiter. You can also show that you share the same values as they do and that you’ll know how to integrate yourself into the team. Ask pertinent questions to show that you’re envisioning yourself in the company.
Finally, always be honest (you convince no one by lying) and stay true to the goal without losing yourself in superfluous details.
In order to show that you’re the ideal candidate, you need to highlight your qualities and stand out from the crowd. To do so, prove your creativity and originality while staying honest and consistent!