13 Strategies That’ll Help You Stand Out in a Highly Saturated Job Market

News of major layoffs in the government and tech industries means many are worried about the job market. In fact, the January jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that significantly fewer jobs were added in the first month of 2025 than expected.

Those on the job hunt may feel the pressure to prepare to withstand economic downturns and potential long-term unemployment. But while the job market may seem grim, there are many ways to make yourself stand out to potential employers. Here's how.

Sure, it's easier to apply to more jobs if you send the same, standard resume out to each, but a tailored resume and cover letter is what will make you stand out.

Career coaches recommend pulling keywords from the job description and adding them to both your resume and cover letter to highlight why you're a great fit for that specific company. This could also help you make it through any applicant tracking system.

While the jobs you're applying for may not have a bilingual requirement, speaking two or more languages is a useful skill that can give you a leg up in many industries.

If you're on the job hunt and have some free time, learning a new language can be fun, fulfilling, and a soft skill that makes your resume stick out amongst a barrage of interested parties.

Now is as good a time as any to work on refining or polishing your industry-related skills.

Look into which professional certifications are valued in your line of work and consider taking certification programs that could give you an edge over the competition. This can show that you're dedicated to exceeding the basic expectations and demonstrate your desire to continue learning.

In this day and age, how you appear online matters. That means leveraging your LinkedIn account and any other professional website you have could help you build a personal brand and lead to job offers.

Make sure you keep your LinkedIn up to date and focused on touting your accomplishments and expertise.

Many hiring managers and recruiters tap into their networks when they're looking to hire — so networking within your industry (or the industry you hope to break into) is critically important.

You can build your network online and by attending industry events and conferences. Getting an employee referral will often push your resume to the top of the pile.

There are many platforms available to help you brush up on relevant skills for your industry — and some might even offer free classes.

Check out sites like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning. You may be surprised at the array of offerings that could make your resume shine.

Some job seekers feel stagnant in their industries and are looking for a change. If this sounds like you, look into which industries are hot and see if you have any transferable skills.

Data scientists, medical and health service managers, and financial examiners are just a few occupations expected to be in high-demand over the next few years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

It's common knowledge that you should research a company before going in for a job interview so you can ask thoughtful questions and demonstrate your interest in the job.

However, candidates should also research the companies when applying as well. This may help you determine which keywords and values to emphasize in your resume and cover letter.

You can browse job listings in your industry to keep tabs on the sort of skills companies are looking for. If you have experience, make sure to add these high-demand attributes to the skills section on your resume. If you're lacking, consider taking online classes to brush up.

Your lack of experience doesn't have to be a deterrent. Volunteering in your community or industry is an easy way to break into your area of interest. It can give you valuable job experience, help you develop skills you can include on your resume, and introduce you to contacts in the field.

Leadership experience is often a big selling point during a job interview. Any way you can practice your leadership skills, and then display them proudly on your resume, can give you a leg up above other candidates. This could mean taking on more of a leadership role at your current job, with a volunteer organization, or with a club or association.

Sometimes a job offer isn't exactly what you pictured. This calls for a bit of flexibility.

That doesn't mean you should accept a low-ball salary, but if a job offers a hybrid role when you were hoping for fully remote, or a contract instead of a full-time role, it can pay to be willing to bend — at least for the time being.

Applying to fewer jobs may seem counterintuitive, but allotting ample time to each application can pay off and give you a better chance of impressing the hiring team.

This may include thoroughly researching the company, tailoring your resume and cover letter, and carefully considering which skills to highlight — and this stuff takes time.

Whether you're currently out of work, looking for a new role full-time, or simply browsing for a better paying gig to boost your bank account, the current job market can seem impenetrable.

But following some basic rules — like taking the time to tailor every application and brushing up on marketable skills — can give you the leg up you need to get hired.