Job seekers are scrambling to stand out amid fierce competition in today’s job market. The average monthly rise in new jobs fell by 28% in 2024, compared to 2023 with 118 candidates applying for each new job that is advertised. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 818,000 fewer jobs in March of this year than were initially reported.

An Aerotek study finds the average 2024 job searcher still enduring longer job hunts in an uncertain economy. The findings also reveal that job hunters are feeling vulnerable, and job stability is at the top of their priority list along with higher pay and job engagement. And, although 72% of job seekers say the job search has harmed their mental health, help is on the way to show them how to stand out.

“In today’s competitive and over-saturated job market, simply sending your CV is not enough anymore,” notes Natalia Shahmetova, the CEO and founder of Woofz. She told me by email that the actual issue is getting recognized before you even reach the interview stage. “But here’s the secret: you don’t need dazzling tricks; you just need techniques that prove you think differently.”

To help candidates land their dream jobs, Shahmetova shared five tips to stand out in the application process and make a lasting impression in the minds of the recruiters.

1. Find The Company’s Pain Points And Address Them

Shahmetova points out that the majority of applicants focus on what the job description states. She suggest that you try to dig deeper. “Look up the hiring manager’s LinkedIn profile or the team’s most recent initiatives and pain points,” she advises. “Then, tailor your CV to target these difficulties specifically. However, sometimes, you have to take a look at the pain points of the company’s target audience as well.”

2. Use A Side Project To Demonstrate Your Skills

“When you mention a side project, make sure it ties into the role you’re going for,” she recommends. “Like, if you’re applying to Woofz, highlighting programming skills might not do much, but showing off photography skills or your knack for negotiation could be a game-changer. Maybe you ran a social media page for a hobby or organized an event where your attention to detail shined. Employers love seeing how your outside experience connects to the job, not just your nine-to-five.”

3. Use A Case Study From A Past Experience

A case study is an effective tool, but Shahmetova believes you can make it stand out by including a “What I Would Do Differently Now” section. “Choose a previous project or problem you worked on, explain the situation and how you addressed it, and then reflect on how you might approach it now, given what you’ve learned since. This small addition shows that you are always evolving, learning and contemplating how to improve rather than relying just on previous triumphs,” she explains.

4. “Find A Flaw” In The Company’s Approach

This one is bold, Shahmetova cautions, but insists it can make you stand out a great deal. So if you really want to get noticed, she advocates finding a polite way to criticize a component of the company’s existing strategy and propose a solution. “For example, if the company recently introduced a new product but has had customer complaints, highlight it in your cover letter and propose a change that would improve the user experience. The idea here is to be diplomatic; instead of simply pointing out flaws, provide meaningful answers.”

5. Hack Their Process (Ethically)

“If the company uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), go beyond simply ‘optimizing keywords,’” Her recommendation is to include hidden information that most applicants don’t consider adding to their resume. As an example, she suggests including a “Key Competencies” section that describes your talents and how they relate to wider industry trends or future issues. She continues that this addition demonstrates that you are focused on the task at hand and on how your function fits into the company’s long-term plan as well.

A Final Summary

To stand out in today’s job market, Shahmetova insists you need to show that you think differently, that you truly grasp the company’s needs and that you can add value to their goals. She advises that you focus on their pain points and tailor your application around solving their problems. Show off your side projects that actually connect to the role you want, and when talking about your past work, don’t just list achievements—talk about what you’ve learned and how you’d do things differently now. And if you’re feeling bold enough, she advocates pointing out a flaw in their current strategy and offer a fix. And instead of just playing the keyword game with ATS systems, show you’re thinking long-term by highlighting how you can help with future challenges too, she concludes.