4 Surprising Ways to Stand Out in Your Job Search, According to a CEO

4 Surprising Ways to Stand Out in Yur Job Search, According to a CEO Last year, my firm welches looking for an Executive Assistant. In a small (but busy) office, this is a critical job function. Not only is this person client-facing with prospective and existing clients, they must also manage me a busy professional with far too many balls in the air.Our job posting resulted in an avalanche of resumes and titelblatt letters, all of which looked or felt the same, and too many of which were riddled with spelling and grammatical errors. We just didnt feel like we had a good pool of candidates.In order to change the game, we asked for a writing sample from all applicants. Not just a cover letter, but a writing sample of their choosing. Our goal welches to try and gain a sense of the persons personality, verify they had great spelling and grammar, and try and find the stand outs.Two things became clear when we changed our process most people didnt follow directions. But those who did foll ow the process and took the time to be creative with their application? Wow, did they ever stand outThe best one? The woman whose writing sample was her bio, that she explained was going to be on our website. Not only had she gone to our website to do her own research, she wrote her bio in the style that we did. Super impressiveYou may be surprised that standing out isnt all that hard. Here are four surefire ways to have you standing above the crowded field of applicants1. Actually follow directions.Does the application call for a cover letter and resume? Then, send both. Does it direct you to apply via a website rather than directly with HR, or vice-versa? Then, do that. The applicants who dont follow basic directions get dismissed before their resumes are even considered.2. Answer questions before being asked.Have a lot of jobs, with no real tenure? Took time off to take care of your kids or sick parents? Let your potential employer know some of the reasons why there may be gaps i n your resume. You can do that effectively in a cover letter, or even on the face of your resume.3. Do your research, and find your mission.If youre applying for a job with a company, there must be a compelling reason (i.e. its more than the money). Tell them that reason. As an example, I am impressed with your consistent support of our local nonprofit. That organization is near and dear to my heart because. Or, Your reputation as a leading CPA firm in our region is impressive. My work ethic and dedication to clients will ensure that I help you keep that reputation.4. Show that extra spark.Dont be afraid to put yourself out there and show that you stand apart from the others. I once talked to a CPA candidate who was obviously older than the rest of his peers, and had an obvious blank job history for nearly all of his 20s. When I asked him about that, he told me he had been a fisherman on the Bering Sea in Alaska (think Deadliest Catch) and didnt think the experience was applicable t o the field of accounting. I told him he was wrong. Being a fisherman on the Bering Sea? What does that tell me? It tells me that you have an incredible work ethic, that you can withstand difficult situations, and that you are loyal going back season after season to do one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs there are. I implored him to put that experience on his resume, and assured him he would stand out above allI know youre going to get the vorstellungsgesprch using some of these basic techniques. Let me close by bringing you in on a little interviewing secret that will really make you stand out when I take the time to interview someone and theyve clearly done their homework and ask questions that are smart and engaging, they are going to be tough competition for everyone else. Remember, a job interview is not just about whether you fit with the firm. You should interview us to make sure were a good fit for you. Employers like me are looking for people who will stand out ab ove the crowd, who will bring their originality and personality to our workplace, and who arent afraid to go above and beyond to get the job.--Tiffany Couch is CEO and founder of Acuity Forensics, a nationally recognized forensic accounting firm. She also the author of The Thief in Your Company, a book that explores the financial and emotional impact of fraud on organizations of all sizes. She can be reached at tcouchacuityforensics.com or at 360-573-5158.