Stand Out

In a sea of job seekers, many fail to get noticed. Here are our three job search tips to stand out:

1. Start with a great resume

First impressions count. And, even if your resume does make the cut, research shows that the average person skims a resume for around six seconds before deciding whether a candidate is suitable to interview ... six seconds!

Cut through the noise by:

Creating your document in Microsoft Word

It’s likely that your online application will be read by an applicant tracking system before an actual human. So, use a familiar program like MS Word so that your resume can be read by automated systems. Word also allows you to set up your resume through templates - a win-win in our opinion.

Ordering your information properly
  • Start off with your name and contact details

  • Add a strong objective that tells the reader exactly what you’re looking for. If you do not have a clear objective, skip this step.

  • List your education and qualifications

  • List your skills. Take a look at online job ads to understand the types of skills your potential employer/s are seeking. Use the same language in your resume. Mention skills other than your primary, such as customer service or taking initiative. Over 50% of leaders cite soft skills as bring more important than hard skills because they cannot be taught in a classroom or measured on paper.

  • List your work experience in reverse chronological order. That is, start off with your most recent role. The job title will tell an employer what you did, so don’t get caught up describing the day-to-day of prior roles. Instead, tell the reader what you accomplished within the role.

Proof-read your resume

Take the time to get it right because recruiters will pick up on typographical and grammatical errors. If you can, get a friend or family member to read over it too.

Keep your resume concise and relevant

Use words that are easy to read and understand. If the reader has to spend time trying to decipher what you’re trying to say, you’ll lose them.

2. Know your industry

Today’s workplace is competitive,and the Australian labour market is showing further signs of fatigue. So, it’s more important than ever to understand exactly what a potential employer is looking for so you can stand out amongst other job seekers.

For example, what skills will you need to perform the role for which you are applying? Are your skills up-to-date or would it be wise to take a refresher course? What other skills might help you stand out? Could you take a course to develop those skills?

Nationally accredited training through registered training organisations are always valued by employers. But some jobs, particularly trades, may also require specific on-the-job training to acquire skills. Stay abreast of industry trends so your employer knows that you’re with the times and forward thinking.

3. Draw on your networks

More than 80% of jobs are found through networking. That’s a huge number.

So, if you’re in the market for a new role, reach out to your networks. Start with your friends and family by letting them know exactly what you're looking for either in person or over social media.

You can also check in with business contacts, neighbours, past clients and professional and community organisations. Every referral counts.

Once you land a referral, be sure to follow these two critical steps:

  1. Do your research - Knock it out of the park by learning all there is to know about your prospective employer. Do a Google search, trawl their website and, if you can, find out more about the people who might be interviewing you.

  2. Offer to do a ‘working interview’ - Unlike a traditional interviews, working interviews give your potential employer a chance to see your skills and work ethic in action. It also gives you the opportunity to trial the job you’re applying for and get a feel for the workplace and culture. Another win-win.

Need some more job search tips?

Trojan Recruitment Group is a national recruitment agency that specialises in temporary and permanent placement across a number of industries.

We’ll save you time in your job search, help you prepare and can help you improve your application and resume. Search for a job today or sign up for job alerts.

Looking for more job search tips? You can also try these great resources: