It's getting harder to get hired. Here's how to stand out.

Whether you've been laid off or decided to make a career change, statistics say it's becoming harder and harder to find a job in this market.

Here are some tips we give out to individuals when they approach us asking for help in getting hired.

Brand yourself

Make yourself as visible as possible.

LinkedIn is not just for recruiters to find you. It is a way to highlight your personal brand. It is a way to be contacted to write articles, speak, be invited to events, and showcase your ideas, and of course, it helps to be contacted about excellent roles.

It also helps you be visible if something changes quickly, like a layoff. Too many times, I have heard people say they wish they would have been more visible or stayed in touch with their network.

Don't undersell yourself

When speaking to others about themselves, I uncover they aren't showcasing the amazing accomplishments they've made. It's very much a human thing to downplay our assets. As humans, we are our own biggest hypocrites.

Take a second and look at yourself from an outsider's perspective. You'd be surprised what you might uncover about yourself. Also, consider what part you played in role. If you weren’t there would everything have worked the way it did?

Then put it on your resume!

If you are submitting the same resume to every job application you fill out, you aren't letting yourself shine like the shining star you are. Instead, you’ll blend in with countless other candidates who are doing the same thing.

Every job is different and requires different strengths from an individual. Even if your title and experience match the job requirements, that’s not enough. Hiring managers need to see how your skills directly align with the specific challenges and goals of the company.

Tailoring Your Resume Matters.

• Change line items to highlight the exact skills and results that fit the job description.

• Use metrics and achievements to show impact, not just responsibilities.

• Adapt your wording to mirror key phrases in the job posting, making it clear you’re the right fit.

  
  

The same applies to cover letters. Don’t just repeat what’s on your resume—tell a story about how your experience has prepared you to excel in the role. Show how you’ve tackled similar challenges and how hiring you will make the company’s life easier.

Getting Hired by Building Relationships with Recruiters

Many people only reach out to recruiters when they’re actively job searching, but building relationships early gives you a huge advantage.

Even if a recruiter doesn’t have the perfect role for you right now, they can keep you in mind for future opportunities. The best jobs are often filled before they’re ever posted publicly—and if a recruiter knows exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll be the first person they call when that ideal role opens up.

Be proactive, not reactive. Connect with recruiters in your industry, let them know your goals, and stay in touch. The right job could be one conversation away.