🧭Standing Out In A Competitive Market: The Recruiter’s Compass Series

Shannon_Emery_KCT

We are excited to kick off our “The Recruiter’s Compass” series where real life recruiters share tips and tricks to help guide you on your career path.

First, we have Kaplan’s own José Bidó to share his insights and expertise. Who is José?

José Bidó is an award-winning Talent Acquisition Leader with 20+ years of success building, scaling, and mentoring high-performing teams across diverse industries. As Manager, Corporate Talent Acquisition at Kaplan North America (KNA), he leads critical national initiatives to attract top talent.

A passionate connector committed to organizational growth, diversity, and creating pathways for the future workforce, José is also a musician who has played bass guitar nationally and internationally for many years.

What is José sharing today? It’s all about actionable tips on how to stand out in today’s competitive market.

📢Let's hear it from José:

Here are some actionable strategies on how to truly stand out in today's competitive job market. It's all about a modern, multi-faceted approach that blends smart digital presence with authentic human connection:

🌐 Your Online Presence Matters: LinkedIn is your primary professional platform, so make it shine! Ensure your profile is complete, professional, and optimized with keywords relevant to the roles you're targeting. Your LinkedIn experience should mirror what's on your resume. 

🤝 Network with Purpose: Don't underestimate the power of human connection. Attend industry events, career fairs, and actively seek out meetings with professionals in fields that interest you. These aren't just about finding job leads; they're about gaining insights, building relationships, and getting your name out there. Often, a warm referral can open doors that a cold application might not. Remember, recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds of LinkedIn connection requests daily.

😊 Leverage AI, but Keep Your Authenticity Front and Center: AI tools are powerful resources for job seekers today, but the critical word here is “authenticity.” Companies are increasingly looking for candidates who can skillfully leverage AI tools without losing their personal touch. Every piece of your job application, from your resume and cover letter to your follow-up communications, must showcase your unique brand, voice, and personality. Use AI to enhance your message, not to replace your individuality.

📝Blend Traditional Tactics with Modern Strategies: Yes, it's true that we no longer fax resumes or fill out paper applications! However, don't underestimate the impact some "traditional" methods can still have. In a world saturated with digital content, something like a handwritten thank-you postcard or letter after an interview can genuinely make you stand out. It demonstrates a level of thoughtfulness and personal investment that's quite rare today. And speaking of interviews, if you're invited to a video interview, resist the temptation to use AI tools during the call. Hiring teams are becoming adept at detecting signs of inauthenticity, and your genuine presence during the interview process is paramount.

🤖 Become Proficient in AI: A significant trend we're seeing in companies right now is a strong desire for candidates who can effectively leverage AI to improve efficiency and drive innovation. This means that as a job seeker, you should proactively study and understand AI to make yourself even more marketable and appealing to hiring organizations. Demonstrating your ability to use AI tools responsibly and strategically can be a major differentiator for you.

What resonates with you? Let us know below. Next week, José will be back with more insights!