Of course your degree(s), work experience, a good reference and a positive personality are key in increasing your hiring possibilities. But then, everyone has roughly the same qualifications. What then will make you stand out?
Being creative
It’s really harsh out there, so the best you can do is get your creative juices flowing. Think outside the box, it’s the only way to really make a difference.
Are you a chef? Don’t send your CV on paper, cook it away, your mouthwatering appetizers can speak louder than any fancy résumé!
Paper CV’s are so last year. Narrate your resume on a video or as an infographic, whilst you subtly (or not so subtly) flaunt your creativity and let your personality shine.
Finally getting the job of your dreams
Showcasing your assets in imaginative and attention-grabbing ways it is almost guaranteed that it will get you noticed.
If you want to make an impact, work towards it. Be unique, even if that necessitates being a little (or a lot) more adventurous than usual!
Investing in what you do unconditionally
No matter what you excel at, as long as passion is the only word you live by, there will come a time your talent will shine through. Hard-work and dedication are impactful in the long-run, so better start now! Do everything you do passionately and wholeheartedly and someone somewhere will surely appreciate it.
Self-promotion
With social media proliferation and the potential for self-advertising the Internet now offers, it would be a shame, letting so much possibility go to waste. Of course knowing what to avoid is as important, as knowing what you should be doing. (Hint: not all social media are created equally, so use them wisely.)
Apart from social media like LinkedIn, Twitter etc. there are copious other ways to promote your talents and expertise. For instance, why not explore these alternative, free advertising methods to get yourself out there?
If nothing works you can always ask local stores and pubs you and your friends are frequenting, to showcase your business card or flyer.
Being assertive
Have something valuable to offer, knowing what your worth is, is not going to get you far, you need to let your future employers realize how indispensable you are for them and their company. Let them come to you and never sell yourself short.
Ultimately, it is all about the medium you use and the content created in selling yourself, know your worth and start job-hunting!