Stand out to employers and land your dream job

Now that you've gotten to know yourself better and have a good sense of your career objectives, you'll be able to build a strong personal brand to help you achieve them.

Your personal brand will be defined by the way you promote yourself as an individual, in person and online. You can develop a remarkable personal brand and continue to enhance it throughout your career. When you are in a context that could be favorable to your career development, pay attention to your appearance and think about the impression you want to leave. Take the opportunity to show the best version of yourself, on both a human and professional level.

Make sure your personal social media accounts are private and remove any content that could give a negative image of you. Start by taking an inventory of your online activity and verify what type of information one could find about you.

Now, think of ways you can display your accomplishments and skills. Depending on what is most valued in your field, you can publish articles, create your own website, build your portfolio, write a blog, or engage in memorable conversations with other professionals in your field.

Networking is one of the most effective ways to connect with potential employers and build mutually beneficial relationships with industry professionals. Use what you've learned so far about standing out to employers to position yourself as a qualified professional in your network.

Develop your network by attending industry events, joining professional associations, and by engaging experts in your field on social media platforms such as LinkedIn. You could also work with an experienced mentor to improve your skills and learn how to expand your network.

If the context is appropriate, talk about your skills and experience and let employers know that you are looking for a new career opportunity. Stay active in your network to get spotted by recruiters and receive invitations to apply.

Throughout your career planning process, you have defined specific steps to help you achieve your end goal. When you begin to search for jobs, do it strategically. Keep your objective in mind and focus on finding a position that fits your career goal.

Remember that developing a career means building a long-term professional relationship with your employer. Research the company before you apply for a position that looks interesting. Can you imagine yourself working there? For how long?

You can find valuable information on the job posting, on the company's website, on social media or by networking with other professionals who work there. Information you collect about your potential employer will benefit you throughout the entire recruitment process. It will help you write an effective cover letter, customize your resume, and stand out during the interview.

A cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself as the ideal candidate for the position. An impressive cover letter demonstrates how your profile meets the job requirements and why you'd make a great addition to the team or the company.

To write a convincing cover letter, make sure you have a good understanding of the job requirements and that you've researched the company. Keep in mind the main goal of a cover letter is to be selected for the next step of the recruitment process.

Start with a short and catchy introduction. It should be interesting enough to make the rest of the page appealing to the reader. You can express your enthusiasm for the position; show your interest in the company or talk about your passion for the field. Explain why you want the job or how you can contribute the company's objectives.

Then, showcase your top skills or qualifications. Focus on the ones that align with the job description. Provide one or two specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the requirements for the role. Conclude by reiterating your interest or expressing gratitude.

Align the style and tone of your cover letter to the company's culture based on what you've learnt from your research and remember to tailor your resume accordingly.

A cover letter is not always required with your application but when it is, dedicating time and effort to writing an effective one will make a remarkable difference.

Your resume should not be a one size fits all. Recruiters are not interested in information that is generic, dated, or irrelevant. It only takes them a few seconds to decide if your resume shows potential for the next step of the process. Tailor your resume to the job and the company. It will not only show your genuine interest in the opportunity, but also make your profile stand out.

A resume that looks too generic will quickly be forgotten. Emphasize your recent accomplishments - whether academic or professional - that align with the job requirements. Incorporate keywords from the job description in your resume to make it easy for recruiters to find elements describing how you're qualified for the position.

When it comes to your overall application, remember to:

When you interview for a job that has the potential to launch your career, it can feel quite overwhelming. There's the excitement and anticipation but there's also stress. Being able to manage your stress is essential at this stage. Explore methods that can help you stay calm and focused and remind yourself that being invited to a job interview is a success in its own. You are part of a small percentage of applicants who have made it this far.

A sure way to boost your confidence during the interview is to come well prepared. Collect useful information about the company. Look online for company related news within their professional network and stay up to date with industry news and trends. Try to understand how the position you are interested in contributes to the company's goal. This will help you show employers you have a genuine interest in the position and that you are passionate about your field.

Recruiters look for candidates who can demonstrate results. Before the interview, think of examples of your accomplishments that are relevant to the position you're applying for. Be prepared to provide specific details and don't forget to identify possible follow-up questions.