~ Opinion ~

In a sea of 50 to 150 applicants, you've got 15 seconds to make it into the 'interview-pile' - or get ignored.

It's a competitive market and it can be disheartening especially if you're sending out application after application, only to be met with silence or a polite “thanks, but no thanks.”

So how do you stand out from the others and get noticed?

1. Pick Up the Phone — Before You Hit Send

This simple step can have a big impact: call the organisation before you apply.

Find out who’s responsible for hiring, and if possible, speak with them directly.

Ask what they’re really looking for in a candidate: skills, attributes and a bit more about the workplace culture.

This gives you valuable insight to tailor your CV and cover letter more specifically for the role and organisation.

Even better, you now know who you're addressing your covering letter to (and yes, a covering letter is essential)!

You’ve also made a personal connection so, you're no longer just another name in the pile.

You're someone who showed initiative, asked smart questions and expressed genuine interest and that makes a lasting impression.

2. Take Control of Your Personal Brand

We all have a personal brand whether we’re aware of it or not.

It’s the impression you leave with people, including potential employers and networking contacts.

Your brand is a mix of your experience, values, skills, enthusiasm, presentation and importantly... your online presence.

You know your potential employer could be (likely, will be) Googling you so Googling yourself first.

What do you find?

What do your social media profiles say about you - LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok - is it time for a clean-up?

You want your profiles to reflect the same professional story your CV is telling.

Across platforms, as in real life, authenticity is key.

3. Tap into the Hidden Job Market

Many roles are never advertised and that’s why networking is more than just a buzzword, it's a strategic job search tool.

Start by mapping out your current networks; friends, family, former colleagues, mentors and community connections.

Then, expand from that base to consider professional associations, referrals, recruitment agencies, LinkedIn connections and even cold calling.

You can set up some informational interviews (more on that in the next article) but in short, they are conversations - not pitches - to find out more about industries and roles, while building relationships.

Write down who you could reach out to and make a plan to grow your network intentionally.

The hidden job market is real and well-nurtured relationships can unlock opportunities you never saw coming.

Final Thought: Be Kind to Yourself

The job search takes time, persistence and emotional energy.

Celebrate the small wins.

Every interview is progress.

And don’t go it alone. A trusted friend, mentor or career coach can help guide you, give you valuable feedback and boost your resilience when rejection stings.

Remember, the right job is out there and with the right strategies, you can stand out and land it.

Jenny Bean is a professional member of the Career Development Association of NZ (CDANZ). If you are looking for career development support (personal or organisational), contact her at CareerBeanz.