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ATD Blog

3 Tips on Standing Out as a Job Candidate

Thursday, February 23, 2017
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Standing out as the perfect job candidate requires much more than just a good cover letter. Employers are looking for candidates who offer a unique set of skills and interests that goes beyond what is required to fulfil the job. This may sound daunting, but if you use these three tips, you will be on the path to impressing your future interviewer.

What Sets You Apart? 

The single most important question for any job seeker to have a clear response to is, “What sets you apart?” Before you submit a cover letter or attend an interview, ask yourself about the traits, skills, knowledge, and abilities that set you apart from other candidates, especially regarding the requirements for the job. Employers are tired of clichés such as, “I want this job to use my impeccable skills to grow the company” or “I am passionate and hardworking.” Instead, why not come up with a response that is personal, innovative, and compelling? Employers are looking for skills that can save company money while driving innovation. “You want to make them start to feel that you’re ‘in the business’ already through your understanding of their situation,” says Jane Sunley, CEO and author. “Use the company’s values and mission as a basis—what are they trying to achieve? Then, when they ask, tell them that you will help them to get there and how.”

Target a Company Problem 

To gain a customer, you must demonstrate that you know them and the challenges they face. Then, you offer your product as a solution. Similarly, effective applicants seek to remedy a problem at a company. The Guardian recommends first identifying the challenge within the company. How does it relate to the job for which you are applying? Next, demonstrate how you will solve the problem if hired. What skills and experience do you have that will help? Every employer is looking for someone who can solve problems. It shows your interest in and understanding of the company, as well as your readiness for the job opportunity.

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Work on Yourself 

Soft skills are increasingly affecting the employability of many candidates. Most people overlook attributes such as confidence and emotional intelligence, and skills such as communication, business writing, and public speaking. Once they have obtained a job, however, soft skills affect their ability to work with others and keep their jobs. Personal development should be one of the key goals to attain when putting together your employability skills. These skills and attributes show that you can work with other employees and business partners to bring more business to the company. Use every avenue to demonstrate that you possess these vital business acumen and leadership traits.

While there are many ways you can be an attractive candidate for a job, you can build a solid foundation by ensuring that your potential employer recognizes what sets you apart from the crowd. This coupled with an approach that is customized to the needs of a company and the soft skills needed to be a successful candidate will set you up for success in your next job application process.

About the Author

Wheeler del Torro (www.wheelerdeltorro.com) is a nutritional anthropologist and author. His most recent book, Boss Up!, provides a step-by-step guide to creating a powerful executive presence to be perceived as a leader and reap the benefits that go along with it. When he is not researching, lecturing, or hosting pop-ups, Wheeler is out setting the next culinary trend.

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