25th November 2025
How can you stand out in job applications?
Being made redundant can feel overwhelming and disappointing, even if it had nothing to do with your performance. While it’s a difficult transition, it can also be a turning point that opens new doors. If you’re looking for your next role after redundancy, here are some tips for helping your application stand out.
Start narrow with your job search (you can always expand later), think about your previous job, what did I enjoy most in my previous roles? Do I want a similar role, or is now the time for a change? What kind of company culture/company size suits me?
By starting narrow in your job search you can take the time to tailor your CV for roles – it doesn’t need to be a complete re-write. You can make small tweaks that highlight key requirements from the job advert and highlight why you are the right fit for the position.
When writing your CV try not to just include a list of duties, talk about impact and achievements. Potential employers want to see what impact you could have to their company if they were to hire you. For example, “I developed X tool which reduced time for Y by Z amount.”
Include a short paragraph at the top of your CV as an elevator pitch. Keep it concise 3 to 5 lines that summarise your top skills, highlight your most relevant achievements, state the value you offer in your target roles.
Make sure you LinkedIn is up to date too; don’t just list job titles include information about each role – this is another opportunity to sell yourself so make it different to your CV. Ask previous colleagues for recommendations so potential employers can see what previous colleagues or managers though of your time working together.
Make sure you network, with both people you have interacted with previously or new people. Most people have been in your situation previously and would be happy to help if they can. Connect with recruiters and hiring managers – you never know where a conversation may lead. They might know about an opportunity, they might introduce you to someone, or if they can’t help right now they may reach back out in the future.
Finally, job searching can be tough and relentless, but keep going don’t be disheartened by rejections, unfortunately usually only one person can get the job out of hundreds of applicants, often it is not a lack of something on your part, but just someone else is a slightly better fit. The only way to 100% guarantee you won’t get the job is to not apply.
By: Charlotte Beasley Eades
