Don’t Wait To Be Noticed – Create Your Own Spotlight

The harsh reality is that simply submitting an online application isn’t enough to stand out right now. Even when you increase the number of applications you submit or focus on quality applications over quantity, your application is one of the hundreds in a candidate pool every job posting is getting in today’s market. I hear this all the time in my coaching practice, and what I teach my clients to focus on is simple but powerful, “Don’t wait to be noticed, create your own spotlight.”

So, if you feel unseen in today’s competitive job market, and you are checking off all the boxes, you may need to add an extra layer of flair to your application strategy to stand out. No matter how many things you are getting right, when the candidate pool is inundated with applications, you are likely still getting many rejections on your applications. That is precisely why you seem to be spending all your time on your job search but still feel like it has you in the dark.

You’ve just hit “submit” on that application. Now what?

Why Being a Prize Candidate Isn’t Enough

My client, Dina, was a prize candidate, but despite her wealth of experience and knowledge, she was getting no traction in her job search. She had a killer resume, a matching LinkedIn profile, and plenty of references, and she would be an asset to any company. She had been applying for roles at specific companies she wanted to work for using a well-thought-out strategy and even tracking her progress. When things weren’t going anywhere, she would analyze her progress, regroup, and swiftly adapt. Dina was doing all the things, leaving no stone unturned. There were no missing pieces to the puzzle.

In one of our coaching sessions, she came to be very frustrated and wanted to know if she was missing anything. We carefully reviewed her strategy and tracking, which is a common thing in my sessions because I teach clients how to analyze and adapt their strategies to avoid becoming complacent or stale. After some creative brainstorming, we devised a strategy that caught the attention of the company CEO, where Dina aimed to land her dream role. She got the job and is now the most fulfilled she’s been in any role she’s had in her entire career.

This strategy, which we named “creating your own spotlight,” not only helped Dina catch the attention of the company CEO and land the role she wanted, but it has also helped dozens more do the same. This strategy can significantly boost your chances of landing your dream job, too.

Get Noticed Using This Step-by-Step Guide

12 step programs are infamous for working to accomplish various goals. This job application strategy to get noticed has 12 simple steps to follow steps that will help you to achieve your goals and allow you to create your own spotlight.

“Create Your Own Spotlight” Strategy

1. Complete a thorough online application on the company’s job site.
2. Use LinkedIn to identify and connect with key personnel:
   • Recruiter
   • Hiring Manager
   • CEO (aim high!)
3. Utilize tools like Mailscoop.io or Hunter.io to find email addresses and then MailTester to verify them. Or you can also use the company website and LinkedIn for contact information.
4. Send personalized emails to the recruiter and hiring manager, including:
   • Your resume and cover letter
   • Confirmation of your online application
   • Your enthusiasm for the company
   • How you can add value to the role
   • Highlight Your Unique Selling Points: In your communication, clearly outline what sets you apart from other candidates (a unique skill, experience, or perspective).
5. Go old-school: Use high-quality resume paper to send a physical package to the CEO/Decision Maker:
   • A personal thank-you note for connecting on LinkedIn
   • Your resume and cover letter
   • Explain how your values align with the company’s mission
   • Highlight your unique selling points
6. Tailor Your Approach: Research the company culture and tailor your communication style accordingly. For formal companies, keep your tone professional; for a more laid-back organization, you might inject more personality into your communications.
7. Follow-Up with Purpose: After a week or so, follow up on your emails with a polite and concise message. Reiterate your interest in the role and ask if there have been any updates. This shows persistence without being overly aggressive.
8. Leverage your social media presence:
   • Post about your interest in the company
   • Reach out to your network for potential connections or insights
   • Regularly engage with the company’s posts on LinkedIn or other social platforms by liking, commenting, and sharing to increase your visibility and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
9. Stay Professional and Persistent: Persistence is key, but it’s also important to remain professional. If you don’t hear back after a few attempts, don’t be discouraged. Keep the door open by expressing your continued interest in future opportunities with the company.
10. Set up informational interviews with current employees or those familiar with the company.
11. Prepare for Unexpected Opportunities: Be ready for an impromptu call or meeting. Ensure your elevator pitch is polished and that you have quick access to your resume and portfolio in case you’re asked to share them on short notice.
12. Document Your Journey: Consider documenting your application process, including any insights or interactions you have with the company. Sharing this (in an appropriate way) on social media can show your dedication and may catch the company’s attention.

Remember, the online application is just step one. Take these extra steps to create your own strategy and demonstrate initiative, passion, and dedication! These are the qualities that make you stand out from other candidates! Increased visibility of your application means higher chances of securing an interview.

Why “Create Your Own Spotlight” Strategy Works:

Don’t let the state of the job market dictate your outcome any longer. You can use this strategy to create your own spotlight and get noticed today. If there is one thing you can count on, the job market will not stay the same. So, as long as you are searching for a new role, you must be flexible and continuously adapt your strategy. The create your own spotlight strategy works for many reasons, but the number one benefit is your flexibility within the 12 steps of guidance. That means you can find what works best for you right now. No matter which steps you follow, your prospective employer will see the character in you that stands out from the crowd.

Boost Your Chances of Landing an Interview with this Simple Yet Powerful Template:

Dear [Recruiter’s Name],

I recently applied for the [Position] role (Application ID: [if available]). I’m particularly excited about [Company’s] commitment to [specific value].

At [Current Company], I [achievement relevant to new role]. I believe this experience, combined with my skills in [relevant hard skills], would allow me to bring value to your organization.

I’ve attached my resume and cover letter. I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your needs.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

This template works because it:

• Shows initiative
• Demonstrates company research
• Provides easy access to your documents
• Highlights key qualifications

You, too, can create your own spotlight and increase your chances of getting interviews in today’s market. Yes, it will be some extra work, but with this simple outline, you should be ready to hit the ground running with a new approach that has lasting effects. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to finding the role you want, but with a little work and strategy, you’ve got this!

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