Finding a job today can feel overwhelming. Hundreds of people can apply for the same role, and many of them will have similar qualifications and experience. The good news is that employers do not always choose the person with the longest CV. They choose the person who stands out for the right reasons.

If you want to get noticed faster and increase your chances of landing interviews, here are the areas that make the biggest difference.

1. Make your application easy to understand

Recruiters scan CVs in seconds. If your CV is confusing, too long or hard to read, you will blend into the pile.

For simple and reliable CV guidance, the National Careers Service offers clear advice that many UK employers trust.

Focus on:

  • a simple layout

  • clear headings

  • bullet points with results

  • short sentences

  • tailoring your CV to each role

A clean and focused CV often stands out more than a long one.

2. Show real examples of what you have achieved

Experience is useful, but evidence is powerful. Hiring managers want to see proof of what you can do.

The CIPD highlights that real, measurable achievements help candidates demonstrate impact.

Swap vague statements for clear results.

Instead of
“Good communication skills”

Try
“Presented weekly to a team of 10 and built stronger customer feedback scores”

Real examples make you memorable.

3. Use your personal strengths as a selling point

Many people hide their personality because they think professionalism means being “serious”. In reality, employers value personality, enthusiasm and values just as much as experience.

Think about:

  • what motivates you

  • how you solve problems

  • your approach to teamwork

  • the values you bring to work

These human skills often separate successful applicants from everyone else.

4. Make your application relevant to the company

One of the easiest ways to stand out is to show that you understand the company you are applying to.

Look for:

  • their values

  • their service or product

  • recent news

  • what they care about

Then reflect that in your CV or cover message. It shows effort, interest and genuine motivation.

5. Build a simple but strong online presence

This is one of the biggest differences between candidates who stand out and those who do not.

Most employers now check online behaviour informally as part of wider risk management and safeguarding considerations. UK professional guidance notes that the same standards of behaviour that apply offline also apply online.

A strong online presence does not mean posting every day. It simply means:

  • having a clean, professional profile photo

  • removing anything that does not match the professional image you want

  • updating your bio to reflect your skills and goals

  • making sure your accounts are secure and consistent

Your online presence is now part of your first impression.

6. Check what you actually look like online

This is the step most people skip, but it has the biggest impact.

You might think your profile looks fine. But algorithms, privacy settings and old posts can make you appear differently to employers than you do to yourself.

A right2socials Social Media Check shows:

  • how your profile appears publicly

  • any old posts that might be unprofessional

  • behaviour flags that could cost you interviews

  • the overall impression you leave online

This gives you a clear and private view of what employers could see, so you can fix issues before they affect opportunities.

7. Be memorable for the right reasons

Standing out does not mean being loud. It means being clear, consistent and confident.

You stand out when:

  • your CV is easy to read

  • your strengths are obvious

  • your achievements are real

  • your values match the company

  • your online presence supports your professional image

These small changes create a big impact.

Final step: check your social media before they do

Your online presence is now part of your application whether you intend it or not. A quick, private Social Media Check can help you protect your reputation, feel more confident and stand out for all the right reasons.

👉 See how you appear online with a right2socials Social Media Check


Take control of your digital first impression today.