5 tips to stand out in a competitive job market

Five key areas to focus on to build your profile:

Curriculum Vitae

Keep your CV as concise as possible. Keep it to two pages and make sure you keep an eye to formatting consistencies throughout.

A lengthy document can overwhelm the reader, leading them to skim and potentially miss crucial information. Use headers to denote different sections.

Make sure to review the job description and tailor your CV to the specific role you’re applying for. If you’re unsure about including older information, consider its relevance to the job you’re applying to and if developments in the sector have since negated the win.

Ensure the content is relevant to the role. Remember, quality over quantity.

Supporting statement

Like a CV, your supporting statement should ideally be no longer than two pages.

Clearly outline your suitability for the role by addressing the criteria, focusing on your relevant experience and motivations for applying.

• Introduction: provide a brief summary of who you are and why you are suitable for the role. Explain how you align with the organisation’s objectives and values and what attracts you to them.
• Body: highlight your relevant experience with concrete examples and solid numbers whenever possible. Convey your personality and enthusiasm for the role and organisation, remaining authentic without being effusive.
• Conclusion: restate your alignment to the organisational values and your eagerness to further demonstrate your expertise and interest in an interview.

All too often, we see supporting statements that are just the persons’ CV written out in a different way. This is your opportunity to show who you are as a person and provide context for your successes.

Building your LinkedIn profile

Recruiters and employers often use LinkedIn to understand your professional experience.

Populate your LinkedIn profile as thoroughly as possible, mirroring the information on your CV. Keep it concise and factual, using keywords related to your sector or expertise to make your profile easily searchable.

Upload a professional photo. Many people are visual learners and will remember your profile more easily if they can establish a visual connection.

It used to be that LinkedIn was only thought of as your online CV. Now we suggest posting regularly to show your thought leadership in your area of expertise. Even getting started by reposting blogs or content from other leaders in the industry will show that you have your finger on the pulse and engage with the community.

Social media presence

Although primarily personal, social media can impact you professionally if used carelessly.

To keep work and personal life separate, set your Instagram to private and update your Facebook settings to secure your privacy.

X (Twitter) and LinkedIn are better platforms for professional use, though many people in public-facing roles are also setting up Instagram and even TikTok accounts. What’s right for you will depend on the sector you work in and, most importantly, where your industry colleagues are.

Make sure you engage with other people in the sector by liking, commenting on and sharing their posts, also providing your own experiences or expertise.

Google

Googling yourself and your current employer is also a wise move.

Prospective clients and employers often conduct due diligence by searching your name online. Be aware of what information about you and your employer is publicly available.

Positive or negative reputational points may come up in an interview, so be prepared to address them effectively.

“One can survive everything, nowadays, except death, and live down everything except a good reputation.” Oscar Wilde