My advice for clients worried about stiff competition is the same as for those facing only a few other applicants: write concisely and focus on the most relevant information. Don’t try to stand out with overly flashy formats! Instead, consider starting your resume with a branding statement. Outline your goals and support them with achievements and results! (WHY will you be great at the role?)

When the application pool is crowded, here’s where leveraging your network is especially helpful. When you have an inside advocate that can vouch for you, you tend to jump to the front of the line since your application is accompanied by a trusted referral.

To stand out, align your skills and experience with the role. Create a strong summary statement that briefly explains who you are, what you do, and your value. Then, provide proof of your ability to deliver results by highlighting achievements with quantifiable outcomes to showcase your impact. Use a clean professional design, include keywords, and proofread to ensure your document is error-free.

Network to the job. Find someone from the company who can recommend you for the position. If you network to the position you may have an 80% better chance to get the job. When you write the resume, ensure you include how you meet all the requirements, show how you have added value to previous employers, use quantification, and cover all keywords. Perhaps ask for a professional for help.