How to Stand Out, No Really!

I recently read an article in my local newspaper about how to stand out to perspective employers. It consisted of the usual information and advice. It suggested a “polished” resume, good interview skills, and networking. It even mentioned getting to know someone at a company, because some companies have employee referral programs. The conclusion was they would be referred and the employee would get the referral money. The networking suggestion reminded me more of stalking based on some of the stories they printed of how others had networked.

There were other suggestions with the final one of, “don’t give up”. That did not seem very helpful! It is particularly troubling to continually see the same advice by so-called experts. They show up on TV, newspaper, and everywhere else. It would seem that there should only be one person speaking for all the experts, so those seeking a job only have to read or listen to it once. It all adds up to very ineffective, frustrating advice and the 20 million unemployed can attest to it. Most have tried every piece of advice they could find.

So how DO your really stand out? I will illustrate a couple of actions that have to be taken.

Do research, research, and research. However, it has to be the right research done in a proven manner. It cannot be superficial research like looking at a company website. It actually takes a telephone, talking to those who know about the company including hiring managers. There is a correct way to do that too.

Learn what the hiring manager wants; that means asking intelligent questions and possessing credibility by knowing about the company and/or department (see research). It may not start with talking with the hiring manager. Intermediary contacts may be the best first contact.

Learn what the critical qualifiers are based on what the hiring manager wants, not a job description. It also means presenting the qualifying information directly to the hiring manager in such a compelling way; he or she does not really want to consider anyone else. It is another learnable skill one must have to do that.

Doing these actions in appropriate detail can result in a hiring manager saying, “When can I meet with you?” When this has been accomplished effectively, and those words are said, then you will Really Stand Out.

Learn the details of how to gain these skills and others that will provide any individual with how to conduct the most successful job search ever. Go to http://www.careertrackexperts.com/ to see our 5 module webinar, Opportunity Acquisition Training System, (O.A.T.S.). Register to learn how to “feel your oats”. Also, consider our webinar, The Secrets of Powerful Resume Creation.