ClearRock

"While there may be many more than four applicants for any particular job, there has been a startling rise in the average number of job seekers per job opening since the recession officially began in December 2007 - from 1.9 job-seekers per opening then to 3.96 job-seekers per opening today," said Annie Stevens, managing partner with ClearRock (http://www.clearrock.com/).

"With competition so intense, job-seekers need to be familiar with the best ways to separate themselves from other applicants for openings," added Greg Gostanian, managing partner with ClearRock.

ClearRock offers the following advice on how to beat out other applicants for a job:

• Clearly communicate the value of your work to a prospective employer. "Think of yourself like a contractor who comes to a house to give an estimate for a job. Contractors don't spend time telling you how good they are. They inform you of the value of their work - your basement will be bone dry, new windows will reduce your energy costs by hundreds of dollars, etc. Similarly, communicate the value of your work, citing examples from your past," said Stevens.
• Offer a "promise of performance" if you are hired. "This performance pledge specifically tells prospective employers how you will deliver value - such as reducing overhead, improving profitability, and lowering turnover. It explicitly demonstrates that you know their business, their issues, and how to overcome them," said Gostanian.
• Focus on what you can add immediately to the prospective employer. "Can you bring in clients with you if you are hired? Do you have any special relationships with vendors that may result in discounts? Employers are looking to increase business and reduce costs as quickly as possible," said Stevens.
• Make sure you have superb references to provide. "Before giving a prospective employer your references, ask each one what they will say about you. Then, only give those who will speak glowingly about you. Some references are not as articulate as you may want them to be," said Gostanian.
• Ask a critical last question. "When you have made it through a round of interviews, be sure to ask one important, last question: ‘Now that you have had a chance to get to know me better, can you tell me how well my qualifications meet your needs?' The most important message that question delivers is ‘I'm interested!' and delivers it with a positive spin," said Stevens.
• Fully follow up after getting an interview. "Handwritten thank-you notes will often create the best and most lasting impression, but e-mailed ‘thank yous' are also appropriate. It's rare that someone sends you a handwritten communication in a business environment, so handwritten notes and letters will be remembered better. Most people take a conservative approach and send e-mails or typewritten letters. When in doubt, err on the conservative side and type or e-mail your note. Also, try to adapt the communication to the organization or person you've spoken or met with. If it's an e-mail type of culture, then e-mail your thank-you note. One benefit of sending e-mails or letters after job interviews, rather than brief handwritten notes, is that they will better enable you to succinctly recap your qualifications for the position," said Gostanian.
• Prepare and rehearse a "Two-Minute Drill." "That's about how long you should spend describing who you are and what you do in response to a question such as ‘tell me about yourself.' The Two-Minute Drill concisely summarizes who you are, where you've been, what you have accomplished that is relevant to this particular position, and - most importantly - what you can achieve for this prospective employer," said Gostanian.
• Dress at least one or two levels above the position for which you are applying. "That's the way to ‘dress to impress' during an interview. It makes a powerful first impression, and first impressions are critical," said Stevens.