How To Differentiate Yourself From Other Job Applicants

By Perminus Wainaina

Whether you’re trying to secure a new job, project or business , there are two effective ways you can differentiate yourself from competitors;

1) The results you deliver and

2) The unique way in which you deliver those results (your style, approach, attitude, values)

As a potential employer, I don’t really get an opportunity to assess number 2 until we meet and I get to know you better (…unless you’ve been introduced through a good friend who speaks highly of you – which should always be the preferred approach where possible.)

So if you’re trying to secure an interview and stand out from the crowd of other job applicants, you need to be telling me all about number 1 – the results you can deliver and the ways you can help me and my company.

So instead of being a history of your professional life, your CV needs to show the results you’ve delivered to date and the value you’ve created for your employers. These are tangible, measurable, commercial outcomes that you have a track record of delivering. This is visible by percentages, Kenya Shillings, KPIs and other measures that are a credible demonstration of your success to date.

One big mistake most people make

Their CV usually reads like an obituary; a summary of every role, responsibility, education, training, hobbies, favorite holiday destinations, their preferred hotel.

Okay, I exaggerate a bit but you get my argument I hope.

If you want to stand out then, your CV must be heavily focused on showing the problems you’ve solved, the results you’ve delivered and benefits your previous employers have accrued from your services.

So don’t get hung up on finding the ideal layout, font, length, style and all those things that many people over think when CV writing. Instead I suggest you focus on one big thing: make it much more about what you’ve delivered and much less about everything single thing you’ve done to date.

When you do it in a way that is tailored to the needs of a specific role and the needs of a potential employer you start avoiding the mistake which I see so many job seekers make and maximize the chances of you securing an interview.

“But what about my experience and education?” you may ask

Your experience and education aren’t really true differentiators because there will always be someone with similar work experience and qualifications (especially in the current job market). Most of the time there will usually be someone with much more relevant experience and a far better education than you. That’s life.

So focus on the results, achievements and accomplishments you had with previous employers, the value you have delivered with your current or previous employer and you’ll have a far better chance of standing out.

Perminus Wainaina is a Recruitment Consultant at Corporate Staffing Services. He delights in seeing professionals take control of their own careers and make choices that work better for them.
Email: perminus@corporatestaffing.co.ke Website: www.www.www.corporatestaffing.co.ke