It’s Getting Harder to Get Hired. Here’s How to Stand Out.

Getting hired is harder, but these strategies help you rise above the noise.

TL;DR – Struggling to Get Hired? These Strategies Help You Stand Out

▍ The job market is competitive, but the right strategy gives you an edge.

▍ Build your personal brand and use LinkedIn to boost visibility.

▍ Tailor your resume and show impact, not just experience.

▍ Build relationships with recruiters early so you're top of mind.

▍ Getting hired takes more than applying; it’s about showing you're the right fit.

Why It’s Getting Harder to Get Hired and What You Can Do About It

Whether you’ve been laid off, are navigating a career shift, or just looking for something more aligned, one thing is clear: it’s getting harder to get hired.

The job market is tighter, hiring processes are longer, and competition is tougher. A resume alone isn’t enough to stand out anymore, especially in industries like energy and chemicals, where specialized roles require more than just credentials.

But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. This guide will walk you through practical, proven ways to elevate your visibility, refine your positioning, and land roles that truly fit.

Let’s start with the fundamentals: how to brand yourself for the modern job market.

Build Your Personal Brand Before You Need It

Building your personal brand is one of the most powerful ways to get hired, and it starts long before you actively apply.

When you show up consistently online, people notice. Not just recruiters, but hiring managers, peers, and others who create opportunities you’d want to know about.

Start with LinkedIn, but don’t stop there:

• Optimize your profile with a clear headline and summary that reflect your current skills and aspirations.

• Share your perspective by posting or commenting on industry trends.

• Use the “Featured” section to showcase wins: case studies, presentations, patents, or articles that reflect your value.

• Stay active in your network, even when you’re not job searching.

  
  

Too often, professionals only think about visibility after a layoff or significant change. By then, you’re playing catch-up.

Why it matters: Your online presence can open doors to roles you didn’t even know existed. A strong personal brand builds trust, credibility, and momentum, making it easier to get hired when it counts.

Don’t Undersell Yourself

Too often, professionals downplay their accomplishments, especially when talking about themselves. It’s human nature to minimize your contributions, but that habit can hold you back in a competitive job market.

Instead, step outside yourself. Ask:

• What would a colleague or mentor say about your impact?

• What would have been missing from the team if you hadn’t been in the roles you've been a part of?

  
  

Once you identify those contributions, put them on your resume. Quantify results, highlight leadership, and don’t gloss over moments that made a difference.

Also, use the premium real estate on your resume to build your brand and state "why you." Do this in the summary section of your resume. Tell the reader who you are and what you solve. Let them read it and envision how you fit into the role.

This matters for hiring managers to get to know you. When your resume reads like a list of tasks instead of outcomes, it’s hard to gauge your real potential. Showing measurable results and clear value helps you stand out fast. It starts to paint a picture of your story to the hiring manager who has never seen you work before.

Tailor Your Resume to Each Opportunity

If you submit the same resume for every job, you blend in and do not stand out. Even when your title or experience lines up, hiring managers want to see how your skills solve their specific challenges.

To truly get hired in today’s competitive market, your resume must be a strategic match for each role. That doesn’t mean rewriting everything; it means reframing your experience to show alignment.

Here’s how to do it:

• Update line items to emphasize the skills and outcomes the job description highlights. Don't leave important details off your resume.

• Use numbers and impact, not just responsibilities, to show real results.

• Mirror key phrases in the job post (without keyword stuffing or not being honest) to signal fit.

  
  

📌 Tip: Build a resume with a format that tells your story. Use each bullet to include your challenges, your action to solve the challenge, and the result.

Write a Cover Letter That Adds Context, Not Clutter

A strong cover letter isn’t just a formality. It’s your chance to connect the dots between your experience and the company’s goals.

While your resume shows what you’ve done, the cover letter should explain why it matters and why you’re the one who can move the needle.

Be transparent about what matters most. In your cover letter, include your values and the types of problems you like to solve.

To stand out:

• Tell a brief story showing how you’ve solved a similar problem.

• Explain your interest in this role and this company. Also, show you’ve done your homework.

• Focus on what you bring, not what you want to gain.

  
  

📌 Pro tip: Keep it under one page and avoid repeating your resume. Instead, make it easy for the hiring manager to see the connection between your experience and their needs.

Build Relationships with Recruiters Before You Need Them

The best time to connect with a recruiter isn’t when you’re scrambling to find your next role. It’s when you have the space to think strategically about where you’re headed and what kind of work truly fits.

One thing to note is that recruiters don't all work the same. They use different strategies to support their clients.

At TLR Search, we work exclusively with companies on specific roles, which means we don’t place candidates into just any job. We focus on making the right match when the timing and alignment are there. We don’t mass-submit resumes; we introduce roles to candidates whose experience aligns closely with the search. If your background aligns with an opportunity we’re managing, we’ll reach out directly to start that conversation.

Many companies we work with in energy, chemicals, and engineering are hiring for niche or strategic roles that may never hit a job board. Those searches are often confidential or forward-thinking; when we already know your background and goals, you’re more likely to be considered early.

Here’s how to stand out if you are reaching out to recruiters directly:

• Reach out before you need something. 

  Share where you are in your career and what you hope to do next.

• Be transparent about what matters most. 

  That includes values, ideal work environments, and the types of problems you like to solve.

• Stay in touch.

  If your goals shift or you develop new skills, let us know. A quick update can make the difference when a great-fit opportunity comes up.

When you treat your career like a long game and build relationships early, you’re more likely to be considered before roles go public.

Practice Your Messaging Before You Need It

When you’re in the thick of a job search, speaking about your strengths with clarity and confidence is harder. That’s why it pays to work on your messaging before you're actively trying to get hired.

Think of it like training before the game. The more comfortable you are sharing your story, the easier it is to leave a strong impression when the right opportunity shows up. In your messaging, include what you’re good at, what energizes you, and what you’re looking for.

Here’s how to sharpen your message:

• Practice a 60-second intro. 

  Know how to describe what you do, what you’re great at, and what kind of work excites you.

• Align your story across platforms. 

  Ensure your resume, LinkedIn, and emails tell a consistent narrative about your strengths and direction.

• Highlight what makes you different. 

  The best candidates aren’t just qualified, they’re clear about what sets them apart.

  
  

Even if you’re not actively looking, practicing how to talk about your value makes networking feel more natural and positions you for the right roles, not just the first one that shows up.

Avoid These Common Mistakes That Slow Down Your Job Search

Even the most qualified professionals can stall their job search by falling into avoidable traps. If your goal is to get hired in today’s competitive market, here’s what not to do:

• Don’t ghost your network. 

  Staying visible when you aren't looking keeps opportunities flowing. Silence makes it easy to be forgotten. But if you are intentional and stay in touch with your network, when you are laid off or have a career shift, you can engage with everyone to let them know about the changes quickly.

• Don’t rely only on job boards. 

  Many of the best roles are never posted publicly. Don't get me wrong; apply to job boards and career sites. However, you miss the hidden job market if you only apply online.

• Don’t apply with a generic resume. 

  A one-size-fits-all resume won’t help you stand out. Tailor it every time. But, as stated above, don't fluff your resume to inflate your experience. You will just be wasting the hiring team's time, hurt your brand, and feel disappointed when the opportunity doesn't move forward.

• Don’t wait until you’re in a position where you need a job now. 

  The best time to get hired is when you’re prepared, clear, and proactive. Rushing makes you feel stressed, and it shows.

  
  

✨ Bonus tip: Be responsive if you’re working with a recruiter. Clear, timely communication shows you're serious and makes it easier for them to advocate for you.

How to Use AI in Your Job Search (Without Losing Your Voice)

AI tools can be helpful in your job search, but only when used intentionally.

When used right, these tools can save time, spark ideas, and help you stand out. When used wrong, they can make you sound generic, robotic, or unoriginal.

Here’s how to use AI strategically:

✅ Use AI to brainstorm resume bullet points

Struggling to phrase your achievements? Prompt an AI tool with what you did, including all the details, and ask for 2–3 ways to phrase it using action verbs and results.

✅ Summarize job descriptions to tailor your resume

AI can help you quickly extract keywords, responsibilities, and priorities to mirror what matters most to the employer.

✅ Practice interview questions

Simulate mock interviews or generate common behavioral questions to help you prepare and reduce anxiety.

But here’s where to be careful:

🚫 Don’t copy/paste AI-generated resumes or cover letters

Hiring managers can spot it, and it often sounds bland. Use AI to draft, but then rewrite in your voice, with your real stories.

🚫 Don’t rely on AI to know your industry

Many AI tools pull from generic or outdated data. That’s why niche roles require personal context and nuance that only you (or a specialized recruiter) can bring.

Final Thoughts: Getting Hired Takes More Than a Resume

Getting hired today isn’t just about what’s on paper. It’s about how well you communicate your value and are prepared when the right opportunity comes along.

When you interview, you can be proud that you set yourself up for success.

But there will be times you aren't the final candidate. Here’s how to handle rejection without losing momentum.

Remember always to be visible. Be intentional. And most importantly, be ready.

Want to get ahead? Start here with our full job search prep guide.

Common Questions About How to Get Hired

Q: Why is it harder to get hired right now?

A: The job market has become more competitive due to economic shifts, layoffs, and AI-driven role changes. Many candidates are applying for the same roles, and companies are more selective. To get hired, you need to go beyond the basics, highlight your value, tailor your resume, and stay visible in your industry.

Q: What’s the best way to get hired after a layoff?

A: Start by updating your LinkedIn and resume to reflect recent wins and skills. Reach out to your network, connect with recruiters, and apply with intention. Don’t panic, apply. Focus on alignment and long-term fit.

Q: Do cover letters still matter?

A: Yes, when done right. A well-crafted cover letter tells a story that your resume can’t. It helps you stand out, especially when applying to roles with high competition.

Q: How does working with a recruiter help me get hired?

A: Recruiters can give you access to unposted roles and help you align with positions that match your skills and goals. But remember, recruiters don't all work the same. At TLR Search, we work exclusively with companies on specific searches, so if we’re working on something aligned with your background, we’ll reach out directly.

Q: Should I apply for jobs even if I don’t meet every requirement?

A: If you meet most core requirements and can demonstrate relevant results, apply. Focus on showing how you’ll solve problems and deliver value, not just listing past tasks. But if you can't connect the dots from your background to the role, don't apply.

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Ready to Be Considered for Future Roles?

If you're in the energy or chemical space and want to be considered for future opportunities, submit your information through our candidate portal.

As chemical recruiters and energy recruiters, we work exclusively with client companies on specific, high-impact roles. We’re consistently filling roles across the energy and chemical industries, and if your background aligns with one we’re actively managing, we’ll reach out to start the conversation.

👉 Go to the Candidate Portal »

Stay visible. Stay ready. And when the right role opens up, you’ll already be in the conversation.

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This post is part of our job search series for energy and chemical professionals—see the full guide for practical strategies that align with where you want to go next.