If you want to beat your competitors in the job market, then you have to be willing to do one thing: stand out.

Standing out, though, does not need to involve a lot of theatrics or obvious gimmickry. Instead, you can consider these following excellent and tried-and-tested ideas:

1. Ace your interview.
The interview is the most crucial part in the application process. You come face-to-face with your future bosses, and they will have a good insight about you, depending on how you answer their questions. Several intelligent individuals are never hired for the job simply because they fail to impress their interviewers.

To do well in an interview does not have to mean blurting out highfalutin words. You don’t even have to force yourself to impress the managers. However, it will take you far if you can be honest but gentle, witty, and funny.

2. Send a thank-you note.
Did you know that thousands of job-seekers don’t do this? They are actually missing a method of further advertising themselves. Yes, you can make use of the thank-you cards to ensure your future employers will never forget you. Besides, it goes to show what a good person you are.

3. Talk to other candidates.
For some strange reason, not everyone is really happy to mingle or develop friendships with the other candidates. This could be because they feel threatened. They are befriending their so-called “competitors” or “enemies”.

Nevertheless, you may want to take the extra mile and chat with them. This removes the boredom of processing your application, and they can give you some hints on how interviews and examinations go. Moreover, if you unfortunately did not get the job, you can always request for referrals from them. Surely, they know plenty of other opportunities.

4. Skip the boring resumes.
Remember Elle Woods of Legally Blonde? Her scented paper definitely caught the attention of a firm. You really don’t have to go that far, but you may want to be a little more creative on how you sell yourself. For example, instead of sending texts, you can provide a link to your video resume. If you are a graphic designer, you can direct your potential employers to a flash-based cover letter.

5. Talk to the employees.
Befriend the receptionist. Say “hi” to the security guard. Give out some smiles. Unknown to you, these little acts of kindness may just land you a job. Several employers do ask suggestions from their employees. If not, employees, particularly receptionists, can put out a word for you or break you by spilling your nasty habit.

Use your creativity and sense of fun to get your dream job. But always remember: do not overdo it.

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