Eliminate the Competition In One Simple Step

Anyone who has been looking for a job is familiar with the basics of “copy/paste” your resume online and entering your employment history again and again. Or perhaps you are fortunate enough to simply have to email your resume to the recruiter or staffing agency. While you trod through your daily allotment of job applications, you groan as your latest find rocks the boat: the company is asking for something more.
 

This request could be anything from a cover letter to performing a simple task like creating a letter to a customer complaint. The point is that it is going to take more effort and time than your typical “submit button” process.

Instead of looking at this as a negative, I propose that you should see this as a great opportunity! By applying for positions with involved applications, you eliminate your competition in one simple step: by simply being the one to actually complete the company's requirements.




Image courtesy of Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee /
 FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A recent article pointed out a great example using a vacation home management company. A chief officer asked applicants for a marketing position to design a sales flyer showing why they're the best one for the job. He got three emails. Three!!! Once the job was posted again, without the assignment, applications poured in.  This demonstrates that the more the application asks from you, the more flippant job seekers will be discouraged and give you the opportunity to shine!

Remember: tailor your application and resume to each position you apply for. While it may be discouraging to put a lot of effort into an application without guarantee of reward, the quality of your applications will increase your chance of an interview where you can demonstrate your true strengths.