How do you stand out in job applications? Preparation is key! To start, develop a solid base resume that you can tailor to every job application.

Once you have well-written content on a resume, you can utilize that to start building the experience section of your LinkedIn profile.

Why invest time and energy into crafting strong, metric-driven content for your resume?

Because when you repurpose that content for LinkedIn, it needs to shine.

Unlike resumes, you only get one LinkedIn profile, which you can tailor for each opportunity. Make your LinkedIn profile count.

Aside from customizing your resume, you must tailor your cover letter to each role. If you use ChatGPT to write your cover letters, you will sound like everyone else doing the same thing, so don’t do that.

When tailoring your resume, mirror the job description’s keywords, especially the keywords “skills and qualifications.” Weave in relevant key phrases from the job description.

Align your experience with the company’s mission and values.

With metrics—dollars, numbers, and percentages—highlight your results, not your job responsibilities. Numbers grab attention and prove your value and this is especially important in today’s competitive job market.

Use bullet points to show your impact. Keep the bullet points to one to two lines maximum so the paragraph does not look dense. You want it to be skimmable and scannable to the human eye.

Write a compelling cover letter starting with a hook: Why this company? Why now? Tell a short, relevant story that connects you to the role. End with confidence: “I’d love the opportunity to…”

Show personality without losing professionalism.

Show that you’re not just looking for a job—you’re looking for this job.

e.g., “I was excited to see your commitment to sustainability through [X initiative]…”

Network your way in. On LinkedIn, reach out to current employees or hiring managers in your target companies. Ask for informational interviews or referrals.

Even a short message like:
“Hi [Name], I’m interested in learning more about the culture at [Company]. I’d love to hear what it’s like working there. Would you be willing to have a chat?”

Referrals significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

If you are rusty on your resume, LinkedIn, networking, and job preparation skills, see the upcoming events list below at the Great Careers Network.

Did you read the article from last week? What to Know About Bullet Points on Resumes & LinkedIn.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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• Tue Mar 25 – Business Executives Networking Group
• Wed Mar 26 – Secrets of Empowering Negotiation
• Thu Mar 27 – Career Success Group Job Seeker Accountability & Networking
• Mon Mar 31 – Navigating Layoff & Job Search
• Mon Mar 31 – Gamify Your Career Path
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• Tue Apr 1 – How to Analyze Your Headlines for LinkedIn, Emails, & Blogs
• Tues Apr 1 – LinkedIn Tips to Build Your Brand For-Profit and Nonprofit (in-person Exton)
• Thu Apr 3 – Chances Worth Taking in Your Job Search
• Thu Apr 3 – The Corporate Hiring Playbook: Answering the Only Two Questions That Matter
• Sat Apr 5 – Audio Leadership Club
• Sun Apr 6 – LinkedIn Profile Reviews
• Mon Apr 7 – 5 Tips to Overcome Legal Discrimination
• Tue Apr 8 – How to Gain Customers with a LinkedIn Company Page
• Tue Apr 8 – Using a Video Introduction to Network with Hiring Managers
• Tue Apr 8 – The Emotional Side of Job Transition & Job Loss
• Wed Apr 9 – Careerland Q&A for the Game of Life
• Thu Apr 10 – Tips to Optimize Your Resume
• Thu Apr 10 – Virtual Jobseeker Support Group
• Mon Apr 14 – Career Success Group Job Seeker Accountability & Networking
• Tue Apr 15 – LinkedIn for Nonprofits
• Tue Apr 15 – Lehigh Valley Business Executives Networking Group & ChemPharma
• Wed Apr 16 – What’s Your Shtick? Personal Branding On & Off LinkedIn
• Thu Apr 17 – Recruiter on Call with Jobs
• Thu Apr 17 – Discovering Your Purpose in Act 2
• Tue Apr 22 – LinkedIn for Nonprofits
• Tue Apr 22 – LinkedIn Tips to Build Your Brand
• Tues Apr 22 – How AI Can Help People Increase Productivity
• Tue Apr 22 – Business Executives Networking Group (BENG) & ChemPharma
• Wed Apr 23 – Beating the Applicant Tracking System
• Thu Apr 24 – Career Success Group Job Seeker Accountability & Networking
• Thu Apr 24 – NotebookLM: Your documents + AI = Your Job Search Edge
• Thu Apr 24 – What do you do when you can’t do what you used to do?
• Fri Apr 25 – True Hospitality: Lessons Learned from Behind the Concierge Desk
• Mon Apr 28 – Immigrant Professionals Career Support