3 Ways to Get Noticed in an Oversized Pool of Job Hunters

Having to look for a new job after a long break or unforeseen layoff can be scary. This is especially true if you haven’t needed to look for a job in a while. You may feel like there are people out there with experiences and qualifications greater than yours.

Getting yourself noticed in the midst of everyone else searching for a job is tough. It sometimes makes you feel like you'll be hunting forever, right? When it used to take 3-6 months to get a job, 9 months to a year is the new norm. But, there are a few things you can do to get the attention of potential employers.

Implement these three easy steps and watch your luck change:

1. Join professional networks. Joining professional networks takes you a few steps closer to your ideal job. These networks are havens for employers looking for the brightest talent. Sure, everybody joins them, but here's what you can do differently:

• Step up from the basic package. As a free member, your access is limited. Commit to paying a monthly fee to increase the kind of job details you can access. Even better is to sign up before you need to. In other words, be proactive and not reactive with your career.
  

• Include in your profile honest, but powerful, details about your experience. Do some research and understand how employers use keywords to narrow down their search. Ensure your profile has the keywords that will get you noticed.
  

• Ask others you have worked with in the past to endorse your listed skills and experiences. It's one thing when you list skills, but it's completely different when others verify that you actually have them. By the way, if this article has inspired or helped you, I could use a few new endorsements myself.
  

2. Follow employers' social pages. Although you feel like you're just one of the thousands following an employer online, avoid underestimating the worth of that action. Joining an employer's list of followers gets you one step closer to their front door. Commenting on their posts may get you noticed.

• Be selective in the pages you follow. Sure, you want to widen your chances of getting noticed, but it's a better idea to focus on companies that you really want to work for.
  

• When you follow pages, you're able to keep up with changes in the companies. You'll see developments, changes in leadership, and so on. This information keeps you current in the event you get called in for an interview.
  

• If possible, make your full profile viewable to employers. The last thing you want is for an employer to be interested in you, but unable to see your full profile.
  

3. Join online discussions with employers. Take your interest in an employer one step further by joining discussions. Many companies post discussion topics to get feedback from individuals in the industry.

• Your worthwhile contribution to a discussion can help you stand out amongst your competitors. Ensure your points are well thought out and respectful. Edit, edit, edit!
  

• Remember to check your grammar and spelling. Yes, social media is more accepting of spelling errors and omissions, but remember you're still job hunting.
  

• Participate in discussions as if you're in an interview. You have no idea who's reading your feedback, so make it good!

Remember that whatever is meant to be yours is there for the taking. Having a well-thought-out strategy, or plan of action will help you avoid feeling intimidated by the crowd. Just patiently and cleverly find your way through it, and help a few people along the way. You'll feel good doing it and it will help redirect your concerns away from yourself while you're in the moment.

By taking these steps, you'll find yourself set apart from all the others looking for a job. Be ready, so that when the day comes, you'll be able to make a great impression.