by Jennifer French, LL.B, ResumeEdge.com Editor

We are currently operating in a candidate-rich market which means for every opening; employers are receiving a multitude of applicants. I recently learned of a temporary position with a Canadian based, global energy company. For this temporary position, the HR received 84 applications. The reality is employers have the luxury of being selective.

The current market presents specific challenges for the job seeker. Specifically, how do you get your application noticed amongst hundreds; how do you navigate the multiple levels of screening employers are now imposing; and finally, how do you get the employer to recognize you are unique. The first is getting noticed. Here are a few tips to get noticed - in a good way: Submit your resume through a current employee. Not only would your colleague/current employee likely receive a referral bonus but they can also help distinguish you from the other applicants by speaking to the recruiter about your talents and skills. Network – go to industry association meetings and meet colleagues working in the industry. Make a great impression and continue to stay in touch. Let them know you are looking for work in their industry and ask if they have any suggestions on how to secure employment in the industry. If you apply to their employer, tell them. They may even offer to submit your application to the hiring manager. When possible, obtain the name and title of the hiring manager. Submit your resume and cover letter directly to that person. Remember to get the proper spelling of their name and title. Follow up on your submission with a phone call to the above noted hiring manager. Call within a week of the closing date. Ensure you have the best resume and cover letter for the position. At ResumeEdge.com, we draft resumes to address the specific needs of the position, dovetailing our clients’ strengths, skills, abilities, and knowledge to the employers’ needs.

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With a surplus of candidates for most positions, employers have the opportunity to impose additional hurdles in the hiring process. Employers are more often demanding phone-screen interviews, personality and aptitude tests and multiple in-person interviews.

Tips on navigating these hurdles:

• In a phone interview, body language and facial expressions are lost. Answer questions in a clear, matter-of-fact manner. Be positive – even though facial expression is lost, voice inflection is not.
  
  
• If asked to do personality and/or aptitude tests, do not refuse or suggest you are too senior for said evaluations. Complete the evaluations in a timely manner.
  
  
• Where possible, avoid salary discussions until later in the hiring process and let the employer set the range. If your hand is forced, keep salary expectations reasonable and give a range of acceptable salaries.
  
  
• In a panel interview, when responding make eye contact with all of the interviewers, even if they are not the one asking the questions.

How to set yourself apart?

After an interview, send a handwritten thank you note by mail to all of the interviewers.
Follow up with the hiring manager a week after the interview and express your continued interest.
If you are submitting your application through a current employee, ask if they can discuss with the hiring manager your applicable talents.

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