TOP 5 job search tips: How to stand out from a stack of applications

Do not rely on mass applications – focus on creating a strong application and stand out from the crowd. Read our expert tips.

You can get effective job application templates by giving the job advertisement to an AI tool and asking it to create an application tailored to that position. If you are not concerned about data privacy, you can also enter your CV details and ask AI to create a draft application for you. You can ask AI to write the application in different tones, such as humorous, formal, enthusiastic, etc. You can also ask AI to summarise the skills required in the job ad and highlight keywords that recruiters are likely to use when searching for candidates in their systems. Always review and edit the AI-generated text to make it sound like you. Finally, you can ask AI to analyse the text to make sure it does not sound AI-generated and to check for grammar and spelling mistakes.

Make sure that the key points stand out in your job application and that the document is pleasant to read. Which of the application templates below would most encourage you to read further? 

There are visual templates available in MS Word and the free graphic design tool Canva. Using an image can set the right mood for the reader. For example, you can create a header or frame with a landscape that reflects your personality. A photo is not required in an application, but it can help catch the recruiter’s attention and express your personality. The recruiter may also remember your application better if it has a photo.         

If you have to use an online recruitment system to submit your application, you may not be able to use visual elements. In this case, it is important that you structure your text clearly.

Subheadings work well in nearly all applications. A heading might highlight your key competence (for example: Empathetic customer service expert with 10 years of experience) or feature a piece of feedback that describes your working style.  The easiest way to emphasise keywords is by using bold text. However, bolding may not work in all recruitment systems. In such cases, you can write keywords in all caps or hyphenate them: KEYWORD/K-E-Y-W-O-R-D.

If writing long paragraphs is not your style, you can also make a strong application using bullet points with figures, for example: 1,000 job interviews conducted, €3 million in kitchen sales. Just be aware that in some systems, the text box seen by the applicant may appear differently to the recruiter. This means bullet points might not work well without clear line breaks.

The bigger the stack of applications you are competing with, the more unique your opening and closing should be. Let your creativity shine – ask for feedback and constantly work on improving yourself. Talk to friends about what  kind of openings or closings they find engaging. There are as many effective ways to start and end an application as there are recruiters, but by expressing your personality, you are more likely to connect with the right one – someone on the same wavelength.

Avoid clichés like: “I would be happy to tell you more about myself in person.” It goes without saying that job applicants are prepared to meet their prospective employers. You can highlight shared values, ask interesting questions, quote feedback you have received, and use superlatives or other powerful words. Remember to emphasise your motivation and explain how the employer would benefit from hiring you.

Which of the following would make you want to read the rest of the application?

• “I noticed your job advertisement on Job Market Finland and am very interested in the specialist position.”
• “When I heard you were looking for a new specialist, I immediately knew this was an opportunity I wanted to pursue. We share common values: quality and trust. I genuinely want to improve the everyday lives of your clients. This role feels like the perfect next step in my career."
• "The devil is in the details, they say, and I for one wholeheartedly agree! I am extremely precise when it comes to instructions and always make sure that I understand what is needed of me. Things will not get confusing with me. I am an ideal fit for an organisation that values thoroughness and quality in their customer service.”
• “What am I looking for in a job? A chance to do meaningful work and improve my skills every day. You are known for providing high-quality and reliable customer service, and I know I could perform very well in that area due to my passion and expertise.”
• “Good luck with all the applications! Take care of yourself. You are doing a valuable job. I hope I can help you and that you will find what you are looking for in this brief application."
• “…is an ideal employee. …is diligent, responsible, and reliable. …grows and adapts flexibly as the job evolves.’ According to my former supervisor, you’ve got a real gem on your hands. Let’s create a success story together!”

By the way, some of these examples were generated by AI. Could you tell which ones?

The most important thing is to be concise and clear. Any information that does not answer the questions ‘How does my expertise benefit the employer?’ and ‘How do I stand out positively from other applicants?’ is unnecessary.

Avoid writing in overly broad or vague terms. Trying to be everything for everyone is the same as being nothing to anyone. It is helpful to give the reader concrete imagery of what it is like to work with you and how customers respond to you.

Traditionally, a job application includes two paragraphs: one describing your skills, supported by examples, and another describing your personality and what you are like as an employee. While this structure is functional, it rarely makes you stand out.

It is worth exploring tips from various writers on how they structure their texts and build engaging stories. You can also study impressive speeches for inspiration.

A more distinctive format might include 2–4 paragraphs with subheadings. Be creative in choosing the angles for these paragraphs. They can focus on topics such as:

• your core expertise
• shared values and how they show in your work
• how you treat yourself, your co-workers and customers at work
• why you should not be hired
• ready-made speech model such as ANSVA (Attention, Need, Satisfaction, Visualisation, and Action)
• what motivates you in the role
• why their clients would want to work with you specifically.