The job market can often feel overwhelming. With high volumes of applications for many roles, the challenge lies in being seen and remembered.
It can often feel like your resume gets lost in a sea of applications. While Australia’s unemployment rate currently sits at 4.1%, (and is lower than pre-Covid rates), there has still been a steady increase since 2022, and the competition for certain roles, particularly mid-to-senior level positions, has noticeably intensified.
We have seen in the market that application volumes are rising sharply. But even with more candidates in the market, finding the right person remains a challenge. Hiring managers can be overwhelmed by applicants who spray their resumes across every listing, often without tailoring them.
This makes it essential to not only demonstrate your qualifications, but also to position yourself as a highly relevant candidate from the outset.
With the rise of AI and parsing tools in recruitment, technologies that scan resumes for keywords and rank candidates accordingly, it’s more important than ever to optimise your resume for both humans and machines. While we at Reo Group will always advocate for a human-first approach, these tools are becoming more common. Making a strong first impression means understanding how to cut through both the noise and the algorithm.
Standing out requires a clear strategy and deliberate action. It involves more than just submitting applications or updating your resume. To succeed, you need to take control of how you present yourself, how you show up in the market, and how you stay consistent across every touchpoint.
Know Your Value
To differentiate yourself, you must first understand what makes you valuable. This means going beyond job titles or broad descriptions and getting specific about the impact you’ve made. Think carefully about the work you’ve done. Have you improved a process, solved a persistent problem, increased efficiency, or contributed to team culture in a meaningful way?
One of the most memorable ways to share these achievements is through storytelling. A well-crafted story helps bring your experience to life and leaves a lasting impression. Focus on a central theme such as problem-solving, leadership, or innovation, and shape your narrative around it. When you highlight not just what you did, but why it mattered and what changed as a result, you build a compelling picture of your professional identity.
Take time to think of your Unique Selling Point (USP) .
When you can clearly explain how you’ve made a difference, hiring managers are more likely to take notice. Quantifying achievements where possible adds weight to your claims.
Make Yourself Visible
Your professional presence online is often the first impression employers get. Whether you are actively applying or passively exploring opportunities, your visibility matters. Start with your LinkedIn profile. Is it current, clear, and aligned with the type of roles you want? Does it highlight achievements or simply list job duties? An active, informative profile can attract the attention of recruiters and peers alike.
Beyond LinkedIn, think about how you’re showing up in your industry. Are you part of relevant groups, events, or forums? Are you engaging with content that reflects your professional interests?
Visibility is not about self-promotion for its own sake. It is about showing up in the right places, so people who are looking for someone like you can find you.
Build Real Relationships
Networking is often misunderstood. It is not simply a numbers game or a series of awkward mixer events. It is a long-term investment in your professional relationships. Staying in touch with former colleagues, reaching out to peers in your industry, or contributing to group discussions are all simple ways to nurture your network.
Networking also relies on a give-and-take. Focus on building mutual trust. Be curious about others. Ask thoughtful questions. Offer your support when you can. The strongest networks are built through consistency and generosity, not by asking for favours in moments of urgency. When done authentically, these relationships can lead to opportunities and recommendations that would not be available through job boards alone.
Commit to Learning
Hiring managers are drawn to candidates who show initiative and a desire to grow. If you notice recurring themes in job ads that don’t align with your current skill set, take action. There are affordable and accessible ways to fill in the gaps. Online courses, webinars, and self-guided study can all help you gain relevant expertise. In some cases, you may be able to take on related projects at work or volunteer for roles that help you build the skills you need.
Keep in mind that professional development is also not limited to technical skills. Soft skills such as emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and time management are valued across roles and industries, as noted in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report. Being proactive about your learning shows that you are serious about staying competitive.
Look After Yourself
The job search is not just a logistical task. It can affect your confidence and wellbeing. There will be moments of doubt, and it is easy to internalise rejection as failure. But job search outcomes are often influenced by many factors that are often outside your control.
Allow yourself time to rest and process. Surround yourself with supportive people who can remind you of your strengths. Make space for small wins, and acknowledge progress, even if the outcome is not immediate. Taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing ensures that you can show up as your best self when the right opportunity does arrive.
Loop In a Recruiter
Working with a recruiter can provide a valuable edge in your job search. Recruiters often have access to roles that are not publicly advertised and can connect you with opportunities that align closely with your experience and goals. They act as advocates, helping to position your strengths directly to hiring managers and offering insights into what specific employers are looking for.
Beyond securing interviews, a good recruiter can offer guidance on tailoring your resume, preparing for interviews, and navigating salary discussions. They also provide feedback that you may not receive through standard application channels, giving you an opportunity to improve with each step. Having a recruiter in your corner means you are not navigating the job search alone.
Standing out in a crowded market is less about being louder and more about being intentional. These habits build not only a stronger job search, but also a more confident and resilient professional identity. The process is not always linear, but with patience and clarity, you can find opportunities that align with your goals and create a path that feels meaningful to you.