Surveys reveal that competition is one of the main things that intimidate job seekers and prevent them from applying for positions in top companies, even more so if they’re in a super competitive industry. But as Arnold Glasow once said, “Without the spur of competition, we’d loaf out our life.”

The competition keeps companies, employers, and job seekers alike on their toes. With today’s competitive job market, finding a job might be a long process, filled with rejection. But with the right strategies and mindset and the help of Skillhub resume writers, it’s possible to bypass other candidates and land your dream job. Here’s how.

#1 Network, Network, Network

Networking is the key to finding hidden job opportunities that may not be advertised on job boards or social media. By building a strong network of professionals in your industry, you’ll be able to hear about job openings before they are advertised publicly. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with known industry experts.

Even if you’re an introvert discouraged by the idea of having to socialize with professional connections in person, not everything’s lost for you. These days, one of the best places for accessible and productive networking is LinkedIn. To encourage you, here’s a story of Jenna, a market analyst who has successfully landed her dream job thanks to LinkedIn networking.

LinkedIn Networking Success Story

Jenna had always dreamed of working at Mindshare, but with the high competition for market analyst positions, she knew it would take more than just submitting her resume and cover letter online. So she decided to leverage the power of LinkedIn networking to increase her chances of getting noticed by the hiring team at Mindshare.

Jenna started by reaching out to people in her network who worked at Mindshare and others in the industry who might have connections or insights. She sent personalized messages to hiring managers, recruiters, and those Mindshare employees whose profiles looked the most approachable. She also joined relevant LinkedIn groups and actively participated in discussions to make herself more noticeable.

It took her a few months, but eventually, her efforts paid off. One day, Jenna received a message from a person with whom she’d once had a heated discussion about the best ways of analyzing the market demand and has occasionally messaged back and forth with. They had recently found out about a job opening at Mindshare and remembered Jenna’s interest in the company.

They reached out to Jenna and offered to refer her. They also gave her valuable insights into the company’s culture and hiring process to make things easier for her. In two weeks, Jenna became Mindshare’s newest market analyst.

#2 Perfect Your Resume and Cover Letter

Start by tailoring your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for. Hiring managers receive hundreds of applications for a single position, and they’re looking for candidates who stand out from the crowd. By customizing your applications to the specific job, you’ll show your potential employer that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and are genuinely interested.

Also, did you know that, on average, hiring teams see only 3 out of 10 resumes submitted for a job opening? Most top companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) these days. Unless your resume includes all the necessary keywords and is deemed “relevant” by this software, you have zero chances of hearing back from the recruiter. So unless you’re a true resume and cover letter-writing pro, consider getting expert help. 

#3 Come to the Interview Prepared

Once you’ve secured an interview, it’s time to shine. Research the company and the position thoroughly to demonstrate your interest and knowledge. Memorize the key milestones in the company’s history, read up on its corporate culture, and check its mission and vision. Show the interviewer that you’ve done your homework.

Also, never neglect to prepare for common interview questions and practice your responses. And think of exciting and well-informed questions to ask the interviewer; they like that. Dress appropriately, arrive early, and project confidence. Remember, the interview is your chance to show the hiring manager why you’re the best candidate.

#4 Be Persistent

Immunity to rejections is key when it comes to job hunting. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the job after the first interview (even if, in your opinion, it went perfectly). Keep applying for jobs that match your qualifications and interests. The more you apply and interview, the better you’ll become at presenting yourself as the best candidate for the job.

Also, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback on your application materials or interview performance. Some hiring managers are willing to give it, which is an excellent way for you to learn what your mistakes are and fix them. Many job seekers land jobs at their dream companies on the second, third, or even fourth try. Openness to criticism and commitment always pays off.

#5 Develop New Skills

Finally, one of the best ways to bypass other candidates is to develop new skills that make you stand out. Take online courses, attend workshops, and pursue certifications in your field to demonstrate your dedication to your profession. The more skills and qualifications you have, the more valuable you’ll be to potential employers.

By the way, don’t forget about soft skills. This often comes as a surprise to job seekers, but some of the top employers value soft over hard skills. And if you’re wondering where to begin, these are the most in-demand ones among them:

• Analytical thinking;
• Stellar communication;
• Ability to work independently;
• Customer service;
• Ability to both accept and deliver negative feedback;
• Exceptional time management.

That’s the list, according to LinkedIn. But it depends on the industry you work in and the position you’re after.

To Sum Up

Finding your dream job combines networking, perfecting your applications, interview preparation, persistence, and skill development. Investing your time and effort in all of these will increase your chances of standing out from other candidates and getting the position you want. As to your resume, resume writing professionals are always there to help you with it.