It’s no secret that employers are looking for the best of the best when it comes to job applicants. In order to make sure their company stands out from the rest, they look for certain qualities in candidates that set them apart.
And while you may think that simply meeting the minimum job requirements is enough, employers are also looking for applicants who have transferable skills that can be applied to other areas of the business.
So, what exactly are employers looking for in an application? Here are three attributes that will make you stand out from the rest:
1. A Clean Formatted Professional Resume
In today’s job market, first impressions are everything. That’s why it’s important to have a well-formatted resume that is free of any typos or errors. Employers are looking for resumes that are easy to read and provide a clear overview of your work history and skills.
A professional resume that is cleanly formatted means:
- No more than two pages: Keep your resume to a maximum of two pages. Employers want to see a clear and concise overview of your work history and skills.
- Use bullet points: Bullet points are an easy way to highlight your key skills and accomplishments.
- Avoid typos: Be sure to proofread your resume several times before submitting it. Typos can be a major turnoff for employers.
- A simple, professional design: Use a clean and simple resume design. Avoid using fancy fonts or graphics, as they can be difficult to read and look unprofessional.
2. A Personalized Cover Letter
A cover letter is your opportunity to show employers why you are the best candidate for the job. In order to stand out, your cover letter should be tailored to each position you apply for and highlight your relevant skills and experience.
A personalized cover letter:
- Shows that you’ve done your research: A personalized cover letter shows that you have researched the company and position, and demonstrates why you are a good fit for the role.
- Highlights your relevant skills and experience: Be sure to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position you are applying for.
- Is free of typos: As with your resume, be sure to proofread your cover letter several times before submitting it.
- Is concise: Keep your cover letter to a maximum of one page. Employers want to see a clear and concise overview of your skills and experience.
3. The Ability to Meet Minimum Requirements and Have Transferable Skills
As mentioned earlier, employers are looking for candidates who not only meet the minimum job requirements but also have transferable skills that can be applied to other areas of the business. When reviewing applications, employers will take into account your ability to meet the basic qualifications for the position as well as any additional skills or experience you may have.
Some examples of transferable skills include:
- Leadership: The ability to lead a team and inspire others to achieve common goals.
- Communication: The ability to effectively communicate both verbally and written.
- Problem-solving: The ability to identify and solve problems in a creative and efficient manner.
- Time management: The ability to manage one’s time and resources in an effective and efficient manner.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new situations and environments quickly and easily.
4. Final Thoughts
Keep these three attributes in mind the next time you are applying for a job. By taking the extra time to format your resume, tailoring your cover letter, and highlighting your relevant skills and experience, you will be sure to stand out from the rest of the applicants.
