3 Ways To Stand Out in a Competitive Remote Job Market
Navigating the remote job market can feel like you're in an endless race, especially when competition is fierce. With so many talented professionals vying for the same remote positions, it's not enough to simply submit a resume and hope for the best. You need to go beyond the basics and actively find ways to stand out in a competitive job market. As a remote career coach, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be to take a proactive approach to your remote job search. There are three strategies that will give you the edge you need!
1. Build Your Personal Brand: Your New Resume
Whether we like it or not, your personal brand is your new resume. Now, don’t get me wrong—you still need a well-crafted resume, but your online presence as a professional is just as important!
What is a personal brand? It’s how you promote yourself and your unique skills, experience, and personality. Typically this involves an online presence of some sort, such as posting relevant content on LinkedIn, or creating a professional website.
Think about it like this: when you’re thinking about making a purchase, you probably research online reviews and websites to make sure the company is legit, right? Remote employers do the same when they receive your application. They’re going to investigate to see if you’re legit and if you are who you say you are.
But here’s some good news: you have full control over your personal brand! You get to decide how you present yourself on social media, on LinkedIn, and any other professional platform. What do you want hiring managers to think, feel, and know about you when they see your profile? LinkedIn, in particular, is a powerful tool to make that known.
Most remote employers aren’t just skimming through applications; they’re digging deeper by taking these two steps to see if you’re the right fit:
They’re checking your LinkedIn Profile: Did you know that 77% of recruiters rely on LinkedIn when they’re searching for candidates? This platform is too important to overlook! On LinkedIn, you’re so much more than just your resume. You have the opportunity to showcase your personality, your values, and the company culture you align with. Hiring managers will check if you have mutual connections, recommendations, and endorsements. These elements build confidence that you’re the real deal.
One of the best ways to stand out in a competitive remote job market is to be active on LinkedIn. Share posts, engage with others, and provide your insights on industry trends. Only 1% of LinkedIn’s 260 million monthly users share content regularly, which means it’s one of the easiest ways to elevate your presence in the remote job market competition.
They’re Googling You: The next thing remote hiring managers are doing is Googling you. Have you googled yourself lately? I know it might sound strange, but knowing what a potential employer will find when they search your name is crucial. Take your time to decide which of your social media profiles should be private and which ones can actually help boost your career prospects. When you manage your online presence thoughtfully, you control the narrative of how you're viewed in the professional world.
2. Use Networking to Unlock Hidden Remote Job Opportunities
Think of networking as the social proof that can set you apart in the remote job market. Imagine this scenario: you see an ad for a product online. It’s interesting, but you’re not 100% sold. Now, imagine one of your favorite influencers is wearing the product in a video or, even better, your friend is wearing it and telling you how much they love it. You’re much more likely to buy it, right? That’s the power of personal referrals, and it’s the same when it comes to remote job opportunities!
When remote employers post a job, they’re flooded with applications. Even if they find a candidate with a great resume, they still wonder, “How legit is this person? Do they really know their stuff?” But if a current employee refers someone, it’s a game-changer. It’s faster, more reliable, and saves the company time and money.
Use your LinkedIn network to increase visibility
But what if you don’t have a direct connection with the company? This is where your LinkedIn network comes into play. Even if you can’t get a personal referral, showing that you’re connected to people who work there can still make a huge difference. Building those indirect connections can really help boost your credibility.
And in case you need even more convincing, here's a powerful fact: 60% of jobs are found through networking. Don’t underestimate the impact of nurturing your online relationships!
3. Get Creative to Stand Out
When it comes to standing out in a competitive job market, it’s not just about saying you can do the job; it’s about demonstrating it. And here’s the kicker: 99% of job seekers aren’t going above and beyond in their applications. So, this is your chance to rise to the top by showing employers what you can do in a unique and personalized way.
Create personalized assets to become a top 1% applicant
I totally get it—remote job searching can feel exhausting. Most candidates send out the same resume and cover letter to every company, hoping something sticks. But what if you took the time to get creative and truly demonstrate your value to each company? Maybe it’s by creating a personalized video pitch, a tailored project that solves a problem specific to that company, or an interactive presentation that shows off your skills.
The majority of candidates aren’t taking these extra steps, which means you have the perfect opportunity to shift into that top 1% of job applicants. Set yourself apart by showing rather than telling. Trust me, when you take the initiative to personalize your approach, it speaks volumes to hiring managers!
Ready to Take the Next Step and Stand Out In a Competitive Job Market?
Ready to stand out in a competitive job market? Standing out is all about being intentional with your efforts. Build a personal brand that shows off who you are, leverage your network to open doors, and get creative to showcase your value. These strategies not only help you stand out but also help you make genuine connections with the companies you’re excited to work for. Remember, you have the power to control your narrative and make a lasting impression. Let’s turn the remote job market competition into an opportunity to showcase your unique strengths and land the remote role you’ve been dreaming of!
Want a clear, step-by-step plan to land your dream remote job? Watch my FREE masterclass to learn the 6-part system I’ve used to help countless professionals go remote.
