In a competitive job market, even the most qualified candidates can get lost in a sea of applications. Standing out doesn’t necessarily mean being the loudest or flashiest, it’s about showing genuine initiative, creativity, and alignment with the company’s goals. To give you some ideas, here are some fresh, strategic ways to make a memorable impression when applying for your next role.
1. Personalise your approach
Generic cover letters and template-style emails rarely inspire interest, instead, research the company’s recent projects, mission, or challenges, and reference them directly in your application. Mention what drew you to the role and how your experience can make an impact or even include a short, personalised note to make you stand out from dozens of standard submissions.
2. Create a short intro video or portfolio link
A short (30–60 second) video introduction can bring your personality to life in a way a résumé never could. It’s not about being polished, it’s about showing confidence, clarity, and enthusiasm and if you’re in a creative or communications field, consider linking to a mini portfolio, case study, or project showcase to demonstrate initiative and give hiring managers something tangible to remember you by.
3. Add value before you apply
If you’re particularly interested in a company, find subtle ways to add value early by engaging thoughtfully with their social media posts, commenting on their blog, or sharing an insight about their work in your network (tagging them appropriately). When your name appears as an applicant later, it may help ring a bell with the hiring team and you could be seen as someone who’s proactive and invested.
4. Highlight soft skills through storytelling
Rather than listing adjectives like 'team player' or 'problem solver', show these traits through brief examples by including a sentence about how you handled a project setback or motivated a team under pressure. Examples and storytelling will always carry more weight than buzzwords.
5. Follow up thoughtfully
Many candidates never follow up after applying, but a polite check-in a week or two later can signal genuine interest and persistence however, ensure that you keep it short, professional, and appreciative.
Standing out doesn’t require gimmicks, it’s about demonstrating you care enough to go beyond the standard checklist. Employers notice effort, authenticity and creativity, so when you combine all three, it can go a long way in becoming memorable and landing the job.