The average monthly rise in new jobs fell by 28% in 2024 compared to 2023 with 118 candidates applying for each new job that is advertised.
Job seekers are scrambling to stand out amid fierce competition, with Google searches for ‘how to write a good cover letter’ increasing by +791%.
Some jobs are even harder to land. For example, the puppy and dog training app Woofz recently posted a Chief Hotel Inspector (CHI) vacancy. The role, requiring social media-savvy applicants to review dog-friendly accommodations for pet comfort and safety, has already received over 2,000 applications and is open until November 1st.
“In today’s competitive and oversaturated job market, simply sending your CV is not enough anymore. The actual issue is getting recognized before you even reach the interview stage,” says Natalia Shahmetova, CEO & founder of Woofz. “But here’s the secret: you don’t need dazzling tricks; you just need techniques that prove you think differently.”
To help candidates land their dream jobs, Natalia has shared five tips to stand out and make a lasting impression during the application process.
Five ways to stand out in the application process
1. Find the company’s pain points and address them
The majority of applicants focus on what the job description states. Try to dig deeper. Look up the hiring manager’s LinkedIn profile or the team’s most recent initiatives and pain points. Then, tailor your CV to target these difficulties specifically. However, sometimes, you have to take a look at the pain points of the company’s target audience as well. For example, in Woofz’s case, you need to show that you understand the challenges of dog owners traveling with their pets to find an accommodating hotel.
2. Use a side project to demonstrate your skills
When you mention a side project, make sure it ties into the role you’re going for. Like, if you’re applying to Woofz, highlighting programming skills might not do much, but showing off photography skills or your knack for negotiation could be a game-changer. Maybe you ran a social media page for a hobby or organized an event where your attention to detail shined. Employers love seeing how your outside experience connects to the job, not just your 9-to-5.
3. Use a case study from a past experience
A case study is an effective tool, but to make it stand out, include a “What I Would Do Differently Now” section. Choose a previous project or problem you worked on, explain the situation and how you addressed it, and then reflect on how you might approach it now, given what you’ve learned since. This small addition shows that you are always evolving, learning, and contemplating how to improve rather than relying just on previous triumphs.
4. “Find a flaw” in the company’s approach
This is bold; nevertheless, it can make you stand out a great deal. Find a polite way to criticize a component of the company’s existing strategy and propose a solution. For example, if the company recently introduced a new product but has had customer complaints, highlight it in your cover letter and propose a change that would improve the user experience. The idea here is to be diplomatic; instead of simply pointing out flaws, provide meaningful answers.
5. Hack their process (ethically)
If the company uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), go beyond simply “optimizing keywords.” Include hidden information that most people don’t consider offering. For example, include a “Key Competencies” section on your resume that describes your talents and how they relate to wider industry trends or future issues. This demonstrates that you are focused on the task at hand and on how your function fits into the company’s long-term plan as well.
