Seven ways to make your job application stand out

Your potential employer has a lot of applications to get through. You need yours to catch their attention to get a job interview.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to make your job application stand out.

Our application tips will cover why you want to:

1. Make your application easy to read
2. Tailor each application
3. Make good use of your hobbies and interests
4. Develop an online presence
5. Use the STAR technique
6. Perfect your spelling and grammar
7. Network to become a recognisable name

Recruiters only give an application a quick once-over before it’s put forward or discarded. The more information you get across during that glance, the better.

To make your application scannable:

• Break things down – try subheadings and lists
• Use short sentences and short paragraphs
• Include bullet points

See what we did there?

Use the words the reader is scanning for (ie. the ones in the job specification) and steer clear of anything long-winded. Nobody’s judging you on the size of your vocabulary here. You’re not oversimplifying; you’re being respectful of someone else’s busy schedule. And you’re helping yourself stand out.

Now you know not to use big words for the sake of them, here are other job application mistakes to avoid.

If you’re finding job-hunting a struggle, it’s tempting to go for volume. The more roles you apply for, the more chance that one will get back to you, right? But that approach doesn’t usually work.

Attaching a generic CV and cover letter or copying and pasting set answers into an online application won’t make a good impression.

So even though it’s repetitive, you need to take your time with each application and follow the job specification point by point.

If you send off one strong application every day, you’ll have a better chance of getting that all-important first interview than sending the same CV off to endless companies.

Want to know why unique applications matter? Read these reasons why you need to tailor your cover letter every time.

It’s worth putting hobbies and interests on a job application as it shows you’re a well-rounded candidate. You should be truthful but selective. Let’s say that the job specification stresses the importance of teamwork. Is there a team sport you can put down? Employers know that people pick up career skills from playing sport. But don’t pretend you’ve been captain of your university football team if you don’t know the offside rule.

Or perhaps you’ve got a skill that’ll help you fit in with the company culture? Maybe your potential colleagues have recently participated in a charity knit-a-thon. Do you knit? It’s worth mentioning!

You want your application to be easy to read, so that means making sure it isn’t too long. But imagine it’s a toss-up between interviewing you and another candidate. How do employers work out who’s best without every little detail?

One way to give extra information that’ll sway the balance is to put yourself out there online. If you’ve got a portfolio or use LinkedIn, include the address in your application. Just make sure that your online presence matches up with the story you’re telling on your CV.

Some application forms will ask you interview-style questions. If these come up, embrace the STAR technique.

The STAR technique is a way to keep answers to the point while still giving enough information.

If you’re asked to provide a real-life example that shows a skill, use these points:

• Situation (ie. your job or course at the time and the problem or task you faced)
• Tasks (ie. what you needed to do)
• Actions (ie. how you did it)
• Results (ie. how it turned out)

It’s a trusty format to use for application forms and in interviews. If you need more interview tips, check out our advice on how to handle nasty interview questions.

You know getting your spelling and grammar right is important, but how do you achieve it?

If you want to send in a perfectly polished application, follow these steps:

• Get someone else to look over it
• Re-read it once a day for a week
• Get someone to look over it again

Yes, it’s time-consuming, but it’s time well spent – one typo is all it takes for an employer to question your attention to detail. Plus, it’s a great incentive to get your application done well before the deadline.

But sometimes you’ll need to send an application more quickly. That’s OK. Maybe you’ve found the perfect job right before the deadline. Or you want to send it early in case they stop accepting applications. Don’t worry, there are still ways to stay error-free. Make use of spell checks to catch any mistakes. If you can’t find somebody to read through your CV, try software that reads your documents aloud.

Improving the applications you send is great. But one of the most effective ways to stand out is to get to know someone at the company and ask them to keep an eye out for your application.

“But what do I do if I don’t know anyone in the industry I want?”

We hear you. But in the era of social media, networking isn’t as difficult as it sounds.

Start by making a list of companies you’re interested in. Then find a way into each one.

Some of the methods to build connections who’ll look out for your application include:

Is a potential contact giving a talk at a trade show? Go along and then get in touch via social media. You don’t need to speak to them in person if you’re shy (or can't get a moment with them). When you connect online, compliment them and ask an intelligent question – you’re very likely to get a response. So, say how much you loved their presentation and ask them if they’d recommend their role.

Is there someone you look up to with a blog or a social media presence? The same technique applies. Everyone likes to know that their work is being appreciated. Start a conversation by asking a question.

Stick within your desired field and keep it work-related. While it’s nice to let your favourite make-up influencer know how much their tutorials have helped you, that’s not the focus here. Unless you want to be an MUA, of course.

Getting more experience will boost your CV, which will help your application stand out in general. But it’ll also help the right people notice your name. The more people you meet, the more likely it is that a past colleague will recognise (and recommend) you. So, if you’ve got an opportunity to volunteer or get an internship, take it. Often work experience is a stepping stone to a permanent role – even if indirectly.

If you look for jobs on LinkedIn, you’ll see who you already know who works at the organisation you’re applying for. You’ll also find out if you know someone who knows someone. If you’ve got a second connection, ask for an introduction.

Once you’ve got a contact, build the relationship until you feel comfortable asking them for advice on working at the company.

Of course, this kind of intensive networking isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s worth the effort. Want to build your confidence in this area? Read our ultimate guide to networking.

There are lots of ways to make your job application stand out, including tailoring your CV and cover letter every time and making sure they’re easy to read and error-free.

Plus, if you make yourself a recognisable name through networking, you’re already getting one step ahead.

So, develop that online presence, use the STAR technique when responding to questions and remember the value of your hobbies and interests.

Now that you know how to write a job application that stands out, you’re well on your way to success.

Need some more help before sending off that next application? Have a look at our graduate CV advice and cover letter tips.