Finding a job isn’t just about submitting applications and hoping for the best. It’s about understanding what makes you different and using that to position yourself as the right candidate. In a world where hundreds—sometimes thousands—of people are applying for the same roles, the question isn’t Can you do the job? but Why should they pick you?
Most job seekers focus on ticking the boxes—uploading their CV, writing a polite cover letter, and waiting for a response. But the most successful candidates approach job searching differently. They don’t just apply for roles; they create opportunities by making themselves known, valuable, and impossible to ignore.
Start With Your ‘Why’
Before you even apply for a job, ask yourself: Why do I want this role? If your answer is because I need a job, you’re already approaching it the wrong way. Companies don’t hire because you need work. They hire because they have a problem to solve. They need someone who will make their organisation better, faster, more efficient, or more innovative. The strongest candidates understand this—and they align their applications with the employer’s needs.
Your why isn’t just about what you do; it’s about what drives you. When you connect your personal mission to the work you’re applying for, you bring an energy and authenticity that most candidates lack. Employers aren’t just looking for skills—they’re looking for people who are invested in what they do. Passion, when combined with competence, is a game-changer.
Your CV Isn’t About You—It’s About Them
Most CVs are filled with long lists of responsibilities and generic job descriptions. But hiring managers don’t care about what you were supposed to do. They care about what you actually did and how it made a difference.
Instead of listing your tasks, focus on your impact. How did you contribute to success in your previous roles? Did you increase sales, improve efficiency, lead a project, or introduce a new idea that saved the company time or money? Numbers tell a story. If you can quantify your achievements, do it.
A strong CV isn’t just about past experience—it’s about future potential. Every word should answer the question: Why should this company want me on their team?
Network With Purpose
The most successful job seekers don’t just rely on online applications. They understand that opportunities come from people, not job boards.
Networking isn’t about sending out LinkedIn requests or attending events just to hand out business cards. It’s about building genuine relationships. Reach out to people in your industry. Ask thoughtful questions. Show interest in their work. When you focus on learning and adding value, rather than just asking for a job, opportunities come naturally.
If you want to stand out, don’t just be another name in an inbox—be a familiar face. Engage with content on LinkedIn. Comment on posts. Share insights. The more you show up, the more visible you become, and the more likely someone will think of you when an opportunity arises.
Master the Art of Storytelling in Interviews
Most candidates go into interviews trying to say the right things. The best candidates go into interviews trying to tell the right stories.
Interviewers remember stories far more than rehearsed answers. When asked about your strengths, don’t just list adjectives—illustrate them with real experiences. Talk about a time you faced a challenge, how you overcame it, and what you learned. If you can make an interviewer feel your impact, you become more than just another applicant—you become memorable.
Preparation is key, but don’t memorise answers word for word. Instead, focus on structuring your responses around real examples. Be clear, be confident, and most importantly, be human. Hiring managers don’t just want skills—they want someone they’d enjoy working with every day.
Be Proactive, Not Passive
Most people send an application and wait. Standout candidates follow up, engage, and stay present.
If you haven’t heard back after an application, reach out—but do it with purpose. Instead of asking if they received your CV, express continued interest. Reference something specific about the company’s recent projects or values. Show them that you’re not just applying—you’re paying attention.
If you get rejected, don’t disappear. Send a polite email thanking them for their time. Ask for feedback. Stay in touch. Many hiring decisions aren’t final, and a professional, engaged candidate is far more likely to be considered for future opportunities.
Own Your Personal Brand
Whether you realise it or not, you have a personal brand. It’s the way people perceive you professionally, the reputation you build, and the value you bring.
Your online presence matters. Hiring managers will look you up. Make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects who you are and what you stand for. Share your thoughts on industry trends. Engage in discussions. Write about your experiences and insights. Be visible. Be valuable. Be someone people want to work with.
Your personal brand extends beyond the digital world. How do you show up in conversations? Do people associate you with reliability, creativity, leadership? Every interaction shapes the way you’re perceived. The strongest job seekers don’t just apply for jobs—they position themselves as people worth knowing.
Final Thought: Don’t Just Look for a Job—Create Opportunities
The job market is competitive. But the truth is, most people approach it the wrong way. They focus on what they need—a job, security, a paycheck—when the key to success is focusing on what you can give.
If you want to stand out, stop thinking like a job seeker and start thinking like a valuable asset. Show up with purpose. Build relationships before you need them. Create impact in every interaction. Be someone that people don’t just want to hire—they want to work alongside.
Because the people who stand out, the ones who get hired, aren’t just those who meet the requirements. They are the ones who make themselves impossible to ignore.