We all are aware of the rising competition in every job opening that is advertised by organizations. The competition does not end when you land the job, in fact, it gets tougher and closer. For climbing the career ladder, it is extremely important that you prove yourself to be the best fit for your designation and designation above you. You have to impress with your work, tact and communication skills. But the big question is how to stand out in a crowd of hundreds and in some cases, thousands of people.

Also, there is another reality that calls for being prepared to face the competition. According to the Asia-Pacific Human Development report, there are only 140 million jobs against the working population of 280 million that will enter the market by 2050. In the next 35 years, India is expected to witness a severe shortage of jobs!

Needless to say, the job landscape could pose severe challenges to job seekers. While you can’t control the external factors, you can at least take steps to face them with aplomb.

Here are some practical tips on how you can shine amongst the rest.

Know the ABCs of Resume

First things first; you make your very first impression on an organization through your resume. Your resume is not only about displaying your experience and qualifications but also accomplishments and goals. Always include a summary or cover letter of your resume which gives a synopsis of who you are as a person, your competencies, accomplishments and ambition. Do not use same standard resume for all of your job applications. Modify it to suit the requirement of the given job vacancy which will make sure that recruiters notice you. The cover letter is equally important. Remember that many recruiters tend to judge you by what you have written in a cover letter before taking a look at the resume. So, keep the cover letter short and crisp, but such that it gives a snapshot glance at your profile.

Develop Communication Skills

Having impressive communication skills are a must in this crazy competitive arena. They bring you out as a very confident person who means business. It is not only about language but also how confidently you deliver it. Communication skills also cover your body language. If you feel that you are lagging in this important area, then it is advisable to join classes on language and soft skills.

Expand Your Horizons

One quality of successful people is that they keep learning and honing their skills continuously. Never allow yourself to stagnate professionally or personally. Opt for supplementary courses that add to your existing knowledge. It is also common to see people applying for courses and diplomas that actually do not strengthen their existing knowledge but relate to the completely different field. A simple example of this is IT professionals taking up digital marketing course. This is relatively a new field and has a dearth of skilful professionals. This qualification gets you into a profession which is emerging and growing really fast.

Be Open to Relocation

Try not to reject a job position just because it requires you to shift base. Being open to relocation portrays you as a very flexible and a go-getter individual. You should also appreciate that relocation gives you a valuable opportunity to mingle with people from other cultures and backgrounds. Such experiences enrich you not only professionally but also on the personal front. In some cases, relocation could be your window to a promotion. As the organizations are becoming flatter, the only way to promote someone up the management line sometimes is to send the person to another branch or main office located in a different country or part of the country.

Consider Salary Vs Profile

Money matters (and, a lot!) but when all you care about is just money, then it puts a very negative impression on your supervisors and interviewers, as the case may be. Particularly in the initial stages of your career, it is important to go for meaty profiles that help you learn more and put the responsibility on your shoulders. With a vast and rich professional experience, you will eventually begin bagging better roles with a heavy paycheck.

Keep Yourself Updated

Keep your eyes and ears open. Know what is happening around you and within the organization. Make an effort to understand how your organization and its different departments work together. This will help you gain a powerful insight into the bigger picture and your role in it. On the other hand, knowledge about industry and sector can familiarize you with latest trends and happenings. Here again, we can take an example of digital marketing. This field is relatively new and still emerging. Professionals who picked the trend and seized the opportunity by taking digital marketing course are now one of the most valuable assets to their organizations.

So right from a makeover to your resume to growth as an individual and professional, these are some important tips that make you stand out against the competition.