4 answers
Alan
Student
Spokane, Washington
5
Questions
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What are some effective strategies for standing out in a competitive job market when applying for entry-level positions?
What are some effective strategies for standing out in a competitive job market when applying for entry-level positions? Also, how can services help enhance your resume or cover letter to make it more impactful?
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4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1326
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Alan,
Alright, so you’re trying to stand out in a sea of job seekers, hoping to land that first gig without getting lost in the pile. Let’s make sure you’re not just another resume in the void 🤔😮.aye!
First thing—your resume. Keep it simple, one page, no fluff. Every bullet point should show impact, not just what you did. Instead of saying helped customers, say assisted over 50 customers daily, resolving issues and increasing satisfaction by 30%. See the difference? Numbers make you look like a rockstar.
Cover letters? Most people write boring ones, so here’s your chance to shine. Open with something engaging, maybe a quick story about why you love the field or a bold statement about what you bring to the table. Show personality. No hiring manager wants to read another I am excited to apply for this role snooze-fest.
Experience? If you don’t have much, get creative. School projects, volunteer work, freelance gigs, even a hobby—if it proves your skills, it counts. If you’re into social media, mention that you grew a page from 0 to 1,000 followers. Organized an event? That’s project management. Ran a side hustle? That’s business experience. Everything is experience if you frame it right.
Networking is your cheat code. If you’re just firing off resumes into the void, you’re playing on hard mode. Connect with people in the field, comment on their posts, ask questions, slide into their DMs (in a professional way). A referral can get you past the resume robots.
If your resume feels meh, use a service like TopResume or ask ChatGPT to rewrite it, but dont get used to it, has to be your words. Some career centers or even Reddit communities offer free resume reviews. Fresh eyes can spot things you missed.
Finally, apply like you mean it. If you’re blasting out the same generic resume to 100 jobs, you’re doing it wrong. Customize it for each role, especially the skills section. They use software to scan for keywords, so make sure you’re speaking their language.
It’s a numbers game, but also a strategy game. Keep tweaking, keep applying, and don’t take rejection personally. Even the best people get ghosted sometimes. Just keep showing up, and eventually, one of those doors is gonna open. All the best Alan, you got this buddy!
Alright, so you’re trying to stand out in a sea of job seekers, hoping to land that first gig without getting lost in the pile. Let’s make sure you’re not just another resume in the void 🤔😮.aye!
First thing—your resume. Keep it simple, one page, no fluff. Every bullet point should show impact, not just what you did. Instead of saying helped customers, say assisted over 50 customers daily, resolving issues and increasing satisfaction by 30%. See the difference? Numbers make you look like a rockstar.
Cover letters? Most people write boring ones, so here’s your chance to shine. Open with something engaging, maybe a quick story about why you love the field or a bold statement about what you bring to the table. Show personality. No hiring manager wants to read another I am excited to apply for this role snooze-fest.
Experience? If you don’t have much, get creative. School projects, volunteer work, freelance gigs, even a hobby—if it proves your skills, it counts. If you’re into social media, mention that you grew a page from 0 to 1,000 followers. Organized an event? That’s project management. Ran a side hustle? That’s business experience. Everything is experience if you frame it right.
Networking is your cheat code. If you’re just firing off resumes into the void, you’re playing on hard mode. Connect with people in the field, comment on their posts, ask questions, slide into their DMs (in a professional way). A referral can get you past the resume robots.
If your resume feels meh, use a service like TopResume or ask ChatGPT to rewrite it, but dont get used to it, has to be your words. Some career centers or even Reddit communities offer free resume reviews. Fresh eyes can spot things you missed.
Finally, apply like you mean it. If you’re blasting out the same generic resume to 100 jobs, you’re doing it wrong. Customize it for each role, especially the skills section. They use software to scan for keywords, so make sure you’re speaking their language.
It’s a numbers game, but also a strategy game. Keep tweaking, keep applying, and don’t take rejection personally. Even the best people get ghosted sometimes. Just keep showing up, and eventually, one of those doors is gonna open. All the best Alan, you got this buddy!
Wow! That is a really good advice! :O
Laise Velloso
Awww, thank you so much, Laise! Coming from a fellow mentor, that truly means a lot. We're all in this together — lifting each other up, one little spark of wisdom at a time! Stay blessed! 😇
Dr H
Aria S thank you so much for your support! Your encouragement help make this community even more amazing. I'm so grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful people like you!
Dr H
Laise Velloso
Human Resources Analyst
1
Answer
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Laise’s Answer
Hi Alan, I've been involved with many internship programs in Brazil, and I've noticed that the candidates who really shine are those who bring their life experiences into the mix. Think about a time you faced a challenge and how you tackled it. It's also important to know yourself well and be clear about what you want to grow in your career. Identify your strengths: are you great with people or skilled with data? Match your strengths with the job requirements, and don't hesitate to share what you're good at and what you aim to learn, always with confidence.
When it comes to how services can help you stand out, consider how they contribute to your growth as both a person and a professional. How does your past work connect to your future goals? It could be as simple as saying, “I learned to tailor my service to different customers while working as a waiter,” or as involved as, “I learned to handle diverse personalities and make tough decisions while leading a volunteer group.” Always link your experiences to real examples, like, “What tough decision did you make?” Keep these examples ready in your mind.
When it comes to how services can help you stand out, consider how they contribute to your growth as both a person and a professional. How does your past work connect to your future goals? It could be as simple as saying, “I learned to tailor my service to different customers while working as a waiter,” or as involved as, “I learned to handle diverse personalities and make tough decisions while leading a volunteer group.” Always link your experiences to real examples, like, “What tough decision did you make?” Keep these examples ready in your mind.
Laise you are totally right. Bringing life experiences into the mix is such a game-changer. Confidence + real examples = pure magic! Love this insight!
Dr H
Trisha Borme
Talent Acquisition - Hiring
33
Answers
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Updated
Trisha’s Answer
You can definitely stand out. Preparation is key! Be sure to research the company, visit if retail and go with prepared questions. If the role is on LinkedIn you can research the company, job openings even the person you are meeting with for the interview. Go the extra mile and connect with the leaders in the area or a hiring person. Share real live examples demonstrate you have the skills. These are simple ways to stand out!
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
161
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
If you are in school and there is internship or student worker opportunities, apply to all that are available. Experience is important. Create a long resume that includes school projects, pending academic or training certifications and any work experience. That can include freelance, hobby or anything relevant to jobs you apply for. Make sure linkedin reflects what you have on your resume. Post the long resume on sites like indeed, careerbuilder, dice, monster. Practice the STAAR interview method. Apply for jobs 4-5 hours everyday. Tailor your resume for each application. If that doesnt work, apply to jobs 8-10 hours a day. Stay positive and work hard.