What do you do if your job application is not standing out in a competitive market?

2 Generate ideas

The next step in creative problem solving is to generate ideas for possible solutions. Utilizing various brainstorming techniques, such as mind mapping, freewriting, or SCAMPER, can help you come up with a multitude of ideas. Do not limit yourself or judge your ideas at this stage; instead, jot them down and see where they take you. A few examples of ideas for improving your job application are customizing your resume and cover letter for each job you apply for, utilizing a clear and professional format and layout for your documents, including a portfolio or link to an online presence to showcase your work samples, projects, or testimonials, and following up with the employer after you have sent your job application.

3 Evaluate and select ideas

The third step in creative problem solving is to evaluate and select the best ideas from your list. To do this, you can use various criteria such as feasibility, effectiveness, originality, or cost to rank and compare your ideas. Additionally, you can ask for feedback from someone else, such as a friend, mentor, or career coach, to gain a different perspective and insight. Ultimately, the goal is to choose the ideas that are most likely to solve your problem and achieve your desired outcome. When evaluating and selecting ideas, some criteria to consider include: how well the idea matches the job description and employer's expectations; how easy or difficult it is to implement; how much time, money, or resources it requires; and how unique or innovative it is compared to other applicants.

4 Implement and test ideas

The final step in creative problem solving is to implement and test your selected ideas. This can be done by applying them to your job application and sending it to the employer. You should also monitor and measure the results of your ideas, such as the number of callbacks, interviews, or offers you receive. Additionally, you can ask for feedback from the employer or the interviewer on how they perceived your job application and what you can improve. The goal is to learn from your experience and adjust your ideas accordingly. To implement and test your ideas, you can use an online tool or a template to create a customized and professional resume and cover letter for each job you apply for. Additionally, include a short and catchy summary or objective statement at the top of your resume and cover letter, highlighting your value proposition and your fit for the job. Furthermore, add relevant keywords, metrics, and achievements to your resume and cover letter with bullet points, bold fonts, or colors to emphasize them. Finally, send a thank-you email or a follow-up message to the employer within 24 hours of sending your job application or having an interview, reiterating your interest and qualifications for the job.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?