Feeling invisible in your job search? Applying to dozens—if not hundreds—of roles and not hearing anything back from the employer? That’s precisely what so many job hunters are saying these days.
David, a new career counseling client, complained about his six-month job search, stating that he still hadn’t found a suitable position. David said, “It’s been slim pickings out there. Too little to apply for. There is too much competition for the open ones. My background is working for large employers, and most aren’t hiring. Nowadays, they receive so many applications, and I get lost in the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) black hole – hence, no interviews. I read some articles that said we are experiencing a white-collar recession, and I certainly believe it.”
Even if you get an interview, there are still many challenges to overcome. Mari, a sales representative, said, “I can’t believe how bizarre this entire job-hunting process has been. I should be able to sell myself effectively, after all, I’m a sales pro. But I’m not getting hired. This has been so frustrating.
“I got an interview. I moved on, only to be left hanging after that, and was finally told I didn’t get the job. I was disappointed and reached out to the hiring manager, as she had been so positive about me being the right person during our conversation. When I asked about why I didn’t get the role, she gave me the old cliché that they were going with someone with better experience. It felt like the hiring manager was lying to me. I don’t think they hired anybody. Which translates to more people competing for fewer jobs.”
Job hunters agree that the competition to land a new position is fierce. To take control of the situation, follow these three strategies below to better compete and help you land that new job sooner rather than later.
Emphasize Results!
Hiring managers and recruiters care about theimpact and outcomes you can deliver. Employers say your accomplishments are what matter. The results you achieve need to be the foundation of your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. Instead of listing tasks or general responsibilities, highlight measurable accomplishments. Did you do something that saved money? Or did your actions save time, improve efficiency, or increase productivity? Did you deliver cost savings?
Whenever possible, quantify your results. Using numbers and statistics has a more substantial impact. For example, instead of saying you managed a team, it’s more impressive to say Managed a team with 4 direct and 11 indirect reports.
Other examples that highlight results:
- Headed 150+ customer implementation and configuration projects end-to-end, receiving a high customer satisfaction rating on each project.
- Developed and implemented numerous process improvements, resulting in a 21% increase in productivity.
- Streamlined and automated a key function for the supply chain parts procurement system, resulting in a $ 250,000 savings.
Stress Innovation
A common mistake many job hunters make is that they fail to draw attention to their achievements. Employers love innovation, yet I’ve seen hundreds of resumes that never mention it. You need to point out something you created that had a positive impact, such as a new program, a tool, or a new system. Identify the result.
If you have led a strategic initiative or drove a change management project, highlight that. Have you developed and implemented a new strategy or implemented any key process improvements? Be sure to point out the positive impact they have had.
Success tip: On your resume and LinkedIn Profile, prioritize the work experience bullet points to highlight the most significant achievements first.
Know How to Tell Your Story
In a competitive job market, the candidates who rise to the top aren’t always the most experienced; no, they’re the ones who know how to tell their story. This is your personal brand, and it’s how you present yourself to the world.
Employers want more than just your resume. They want to understand who you are, what drives you, and how you deliver results. Whether it’s highlighting your strengths in an interview, showcasing your value on LinkedIn, or communicating what sets you apart, your story is your most powerful marketing tool. When told well, it creates a connection, builds credibility, and makes you memorable. It is an essential part of your career identity. Your story should be persuasive, positive, and, above all, genuine.
Tried & True
After working with thousands of job seekers, I know these three strategies work. Why? Because they focus on what employers care about most: results, innovation, and the story behind your success. When you show how you’ve delivered value in the past, employers can envision you doing the same for them. These techniques help you stand out, build credibility, and create a compelling case for why you should be hired. In today’s competitive market, job hunters who apply these proven tactics don’t just get noticed — they get job offers.