How can you stand out when applying for a Job?
Here’s the thing I always say to candidates when they ring me up at TRS Resourcing: if you want to get noticed, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You don’t need some flashy pitch or gimmick. What you do need is to get the basics right. If you’re wondering how you can stand out…
Here’s the thing I always say to candidates when they ring me up at TRS Resourcing: if you want to get noticed, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You don’t need some flashy pitch or gimmick. What you do need is to get the basics right.
If you’re wondering how you can stand out when applying for a job, the answer is simple: start with your CV. Is it updated? I mean actually updated not something you quickly tweaked two years ago. If you’re going for a higher role, like a supervisor or manager position, your CV and LinkedIn profile need to reflect that. And they need to say the same thing.
This is where people go wrong all the time. I’ll get a CV for a leading hand position, but then I check LinkedIn and it still says, “Trade Assistant 2021.” That’s the kind of thing that raises red flags. It tells us as recruiters that you’re not really across the details and if you’re not detail-oriented on your own application, what does that say about how you’ll handle the job?
Matching Your CV and LinkedIn: The First Big Step
This is one of those little things that makes a huge difference. If your CV says one thing and your LinkedIn says another, it just looks off. Whether you’re applying through a recruiter or direct to a company, that inconsistency will stand out and not in a good way.
Your LinkedIn doesn’t have to be perfect or full of buzzwords and stuffed with keywords. But it does need to match your career timeline and clearly show what kind of work you’re after. Are you moving into a new industry? Shifting to site supervision? Then show that with recent responsibilities, updated job titles, and skills that line up with what you’re applying for.
And honestly, this might sound harsh, but if you haven’t updated your LinkedIn since 2018, and your CV is riddledwith old info or weird formatting, it’s going straight into the “maybe later” pile.
Up-to-Date Contact Details – Don’t Skip This
Let’s talk about contact details. I lose count of how many people apply with out-of-date mobile numbers. It drives me nuts. If I’m trying to get in touch about a role and your phone’s disconnected, or you’ve changed numbers and didn’t update it, that’s a missed opportunity for you.
Even worse is when your voicemail isn’t set up or your inbox is full. These are such basic things, but they matter. If I can’t leave you a message or your email bounces back, we’re already off to a bad start.
And here’s a tip: check your email address. If your email still includes a nickname from high school or something like “partyboi99@,” maybe it’s time for an update. A professional-looking email address, updated mobile, and an active LinkedIn that’s the foundation. That’s how you can stand out when applying for a job.
More Contact Doesn’t Equal Better Contact
Let’s address another big one how often you’re reaching out to recruiters. A lot of people think that if they just keep calling, keep chasing, that’s going to show initiative. But I can tell you from the other side of the phone it doesn’t.
Ringing 10 recruiters in a day isn’t a strategy; it’s panic. And it can actually make you blend into the crowd. Think about it: if you’re calling everyone, it looks like you’re not really sure what job you want, or where you want to work.
Instead, slow it down. Work out where you want to be. If you’re looking for work in the rail industry, fabrication, or workshop-based roles, figure out which recruitment companies specialise in that. Research them. See who’s active in your space.
Then, when you find one or two that align with what you’re after like us at TRS, reach out properly. Apply with a tailored CV. Include a short, sharp email introduction. Maybe follow up with one call, just to confirm we’ve received your application. That’s it.
Honestly, how you can stand out when applying for a job is by not being the person who calls five times in one week asking for updates. That doesn’t impress recruiters it puts them off.
The Fastest Way to Get Offside With a Recruiter
Want to know the quickest way to get put in the “too hard basket”? Submit an old CV with the wrong contact info and then call repeatedly asking why no one’s gotten back to you.
If I can’t reach you because your number’s changed or your voicemail doesn’t work, but then you’re calling me every day, there’s a disconnect. It tells me you’re not taking care of the details. And in this industry, details matter.
Even worse is when someone applies and then rings to ask what the job is actually about. If you didn’t read the ad, don’t apply. That’s the kind of thing that shows us you’re just spraying your CV around, not being intentional.
The Candidates Who Stand Out Do This Instead
So who does stand out? The ones who take the time to get it right. Their CV is fresh, clearly laid out, and targeted to the kind of job they want. Their LinkedIn lines up. Their contact info is accurate and professional.
They apply once, follow up once, and then give the process space. They trust that the recruiter will come back to them if there’s a fit and we do.
Recruiters talk. We remember who’s easy to deal with, who’s professional, and who’s got their act together. And when a job comes across our desk that matches that profile, you better believe that’s who we call first.
How can you stand out when applying for a Job?
Final Word: Do Less, But Do It Better
If you’re out there looking for work, take a breath. Don’t panic apply to everything. Don’t spam-call recruiters. Don’t rely on outdated documents or guesswork.
Instead, be clear about what you want, tailor your application, and make it easy for recruiters to get in touch with you. That’s not just common sense it’s strategy. And it’s the difference between blending in and standing out.
Because at the end of the day, how you can stand out when applying for a job is by showing that you care about the process and about the details.
And trust me, we notice.
Standing Out in Today’s Job Market: A Fresh Perspective by Josh Hill
