How to Make Your Application Stand Out from the Crowd

Looking for a new job? Is the stress of applying, and the lack of responses or “Sorry to inform you” emails becoming increasingly more disheartening? No, you are not alone. In fact, reports reveal that three-quarters of UK professionals have their eyes set on getting a new role in 2025, which is an indication that the job market is becoming more competitive.

So, what can you do? Standing out in a congested job market is a must, but in order to do so, you need to have a compelling application. Think about it – if numerous candidates are competing for the same opportunity, businesses have to search for the ideal person for the role. If you implement effective strategies highlighting why you should be the one to employ, it could help to significantly enhance your prospects.

Of course, the journey from submission to interview might seem daunting, but utilising key techniques can vastly improve your chances of success. Let’s dive into some of the ways you can make your application stand out in the crowd.

What Do Employers Value?

The question everyone applying for a job thinks about when crafting their application for a role, is what do employees value in a candidate? Knowing, or at least having an idea of what employers prioritise, is invaluable information to learn.

Understandably, the two primary factors are skills and experience. They are likely to favour candidates who have the relevant skills and experience for the role. As they look at CVs and applications, many employers favour clarity and succinctness. If you implement this into your own application, you can help your submission rise above the rest.

How do you make a positive impression then? These are the key factors worth remembering:

•         Be selective about the content you include
•         Emphasise your most relevant experiences
•         Ensure your achievements are quantifiable
•         Highlight all relevant accomplishments

Implementing all these into your application will help to illustrate your value and align with prospective employers’ expectations.

If you are fortunate enough to make it to the interview stage of the process, keep in mind that this is when they see if the person is a suitable cultural fit for the team. This means that they are looking to see if the person will likely fit right in when they join the company and using it as a time to learn more about your skills and experience.

Customise Your Application

Aside from ensuring that your application appeals to employers, make sure you incorporate your personality into your submission. Personalisation is one of the most impactful strategies in the application process because generic submissions are more likely to get overlooked.

As you look for ways to boost your CV, ensure that you are tailoring it to reflect the job description closely. Wherever possible, try to incorporate keywords and phrases from the listing to ensure your application resonates with the hiring team.

Sometimes, applications require a cover letter. If this is the case, make sure you tailor it to the job description, too. Think about it—your cover letter will be the first impression of you, and so you want potential employers to read it and be enticed by what they find and interested in reading more about you in your CV. Hopefully, what they read will lead to them inviting you for an interview.

If you do not have a cover letter or do not know where to start, fear not! With the right tools, you can easily create a cover letter, that can be customised to suit each application.

What information should you include? Start by investigating and integrating the company’s values into your application. Doing so can help to make a significant difference, as it shows employers that you have done your research and have an interest in the business.

Not only this, but you can highlight your skills and experience that match the business. For example, if the company prioritises innovation, illustrate your contributions to creative projects in the past. Showing that you have taken an interest will not go unnoticed.

Engage with the Company’s Online Presence

Speaking of taking an interest in the company, engaging with its online presence might also help boost your application. You could follow them on social media, comment on their posts, or contribute to discussions on professional forums.

It might seem small, but it illustrates a genuine interest in the company, and you can collect insights that you can incorporate into your application. You could mention specific initiatives or values that resonate with you in your cover letter to demonstrate a deeper connection. As employers look at your CV, this interest will likely be something that captures their interest.

Employ Professional Design

Yes, the information in your CV will help you stand out amongst the competition—but so will the overall design. How your CV is presented can capture the attention of employers, as they will remember factors such as relevancy and overall design. As you look to tailor your CV, try using design tools to create a polished document that maintains professionalism while reflecting your individuality.

If you are unsure where to start, consider utilising templates designed for CVs to help you achieve a clean and organised layout. Ensure that your font is easy to read, and employ headings to facilitate navigation. Remember, clutter can detract from your message, so make sure you prioritise simplicity in design.

Demonstrate Soft Skills Effectively

Now that we have covered the overall appearance and structure of applications, what about the specifics? As mentioned earlier, highlighting technical skills and experience that are relevant to the role is a must, as these are key elements employers are looking for.

However, soft skills can also be significant in the hiring process. Emphasise that you have strong communication skills, good teamwork, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. Yes, many applicants might also include these skills, but if you combine these qualities with your experience and skills, you help ensure that your application is a strong contender.

Emphasise Continued Learning

Of course, showing what you have learned, courses you have taken, or degrees and certifications you have obtained can help your application stand out. If you show you are committed to personal and professional growth by noting what you are doing to do so, it can also be greatly beneficial.

How? It demonstrates your proactive attitude and willingness to grow and adapt. For instance, if you have taken a course in data analysis for a marketing role, mentioning this can set you apart from candidates who have not pursued similar opportunities.

Prepare for Potential Interview Scenarios

If you are fortunate enough to get an interview, congratulations! While getting an interview can be exciting, the hard work continues. Being prepared for an interview can help you feel more confident and make a positive impression. Preparation for interviews can enhance the effectiveness of your application; if you anticipate common questions, you can refine your presentation and ensure alignment with the role.

Consider potential questions about the position and draft responses highlighting your accomplishments and skills. Practising how to articulate these experiences clearly and confidently will further reinforce the strengths of your application.

As you can see, creating a standout application isn’t just about listing skills—it’s about showing your value in a way that resonates. With the right approach, you can turn your next job hunt into a confident step toward success.