In today’s job searching market the employer has the upper hand because they have the “pick of the litter” so to speak. The person searching for a job has to find ways to make sure that they are one of those picks. It is an employers market when the economy is down and job searchers have to stand out to be selected.

The larger the selection, the greater the chance that you will not get picked. That being said, lets explore ways that a potential employee can stand out and be selected when there is so many to choose from. What is an employer looking for in all those resume’s and interviews? Why is yours better than mine?

Let’s begin by forming a list of areas that should be explored so that you can be the pick of the litter:

*Appearance and attire
*Attitude and determination
*Your needs or employers needs
*Persistence and contacts

Appearance and attire should fit the posted position. You should always look the part weather you are at an interview or dropping off a resume in person. Getting noticed is what makes the difference. Always apply for the posted job as specified but you can still drop off a resume in person a couple of days later.

A determined will through your attitude will get you noticed. Positive action can make a difference. I once emailed my resume as required for a job posting and then the next day I dressed the part and took my resume to the company asking for the contact person and handed them my resume. I got an interview.

Your needs have to be considered but you must consider that before applying for a job posting. Make sure that the job you are pursuing fits your needs. After you have applied, the needs of the employer are what is important. You must focus on what you can offer them not what they can offer you.

Being persistent and staying in contact can also help you stand out. Always follow up. Weekly job contacts can help you find out if the company has more openings that have not been posted yet. This could give you an opportunity for a potential upcoming job to apply for before others are notified.

What an employer is looking for in your resume and in an interview is the most qualified person that meets the job requirements and can fill the job description for the least amount of pay. You should always put down salary requirement as negotiable when a posting requires it. This can help get you an interview.

Now, why are you more qualified than me? Is it because you dressed the part? Is it your attitude and determination? Is it because you addressed the needs of the employer? Is it your persistence in staying in contact? Maybe it was your attention to all of these details that made you more qualified than me.