Most people apply for jobs the same way.

They update their resume.
They write a cover letter.
They submit it online.

And then they wonder why nothing happens.

Because on paper, everyone looks the same.

This came up in my conversation on Episode 35 of Guyset with former Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers Badan, and her perspective completely reframed how I think about job applications.

“It’s not about the resume. It’s about what you do beyond it.”

That’s the shift.

Your Resume Gets You in the Pile, Not Out of It

This is the part most people miss.

A resume is necessary.

But it’s not differentiating.

Hiring managers are scanning dozens, sometimes hundreds, of similar profiles.

Same format.
Same experience.
Same language.

So if your entire strategy is your resume, you’re competing in the most crowded part of the process.

Insights from Harvard Business Review show that candidates who supplement their applications with proactive outreach are far more likely to get noticed.

You Have to Do Something Extra

Standing out doesn’t come from doing the standard process better.

It comes from doing more than the standard process.

That could look like:

Reaching out directly to someone at the company
Sending a personalized message
Following up consistently
Showing actual work instead of just describing it

This is what separates you.

If you’re not hearing back right now, it’s usually because you’re relying on the default path. That’s exactly what How Do You Get Comfortable Speaking in Meetings at Work? helps you fix.

Reach Out Like a Real Person

This is one of the most effective things you can do.

Find someone at the company.

Not to ask for a job.

To start a conversation.

Something simple:

“Hey, I came across your team and I’m really interested in what you’re building. I’d love to learn more about how you got started.”

That stands out more than any application.

Because now you’re not just a name in a system.

You’re someone they recognize.

This is also where confidence plays a role. If you hesitate to reach out, it often connects to a bigger pattern. That’s exactly what How Do You Build Relationships at a New Job? helps you work through.

Show, Don’t Just Tell

Most people say what they can do.

Very few people show it.

That’s the difference.

Instead of:

“I’m a strong writer”

Send something you’ve written.

Instead of:

“I’m interested in marketing”

Break down a campaign you liked.

Instead of:

“I want to work here”

Explain why specifically.

This makes it real.

Follow Up More Than Feels Comfortable

This is where most people stop too early.

They apply.
Maybe follow up once.
Then move on.

“One email doesn’t matter.”

Following up isn’t annoying.

It’s part of the process.

It shows effort.
It shows interest.
It shows consistency.

And most people won’t do it.

That’s why it works.

Be Specific, Not Generic

Generic messages get ignored.

Because they look like everything else.

If your outreach could be sent to any company, it won’t stand out.

Make it specific.

Why this company
Why this role
Why now

That level of detail shows you actually care.

Creativity Gets Attention

You don’t need to do something extreme.

But doing something slightly different goes a long way.

That could be:

A short video introduction
A creative portfolio
A unique way of presenting your work

The goal isn’t to be flashy.

It’s to be memorable.

Research from Psychology Today shows that people are more likely to remember candidates who present information in a distinctive way.

That’s what you’re trying to do.

Don’t Wait for Permission

This is where people hold themselves back.

They think:

I’ll apply and wait
I don’t want to be annoying
I don’t want to overstep

So they stay passive.

And passive doesn’t stand out.

Taking initiative is what changes the outcome.

Build Momentum, Not Just Applications

A lot of people think job searching is about volume.

More applications = more chances.

But if nothing changes, nothing improves.

Focus on:

Better outreach
Better positioning
Better follow-up

That’s how you create momentum.

Research from the American Psychological Association shows that focusing on controllable actions improves outcomes and reduces stress in uncertain situations.

It’s Not About Being Perfect, It’s About Being Seen

This is the shift.

You don’t need the perfect resume.

You need visibility.

You need someone to:

Recognize your name
Remember your message
Notice your effort

That’s what actually leads to opportunities.

If you’re thinking about how all of this connects to your bigger career decisions, it ties directly to What Actually Matters at Your First Job?, because both are about playing the long game.

And Here’s The Thing

Standing out isn’t about being the most qualified.

It’s about being the most visible.

The most intentional.
The most proactive.

Because most people are doing the minimum.

And the moment you go beyond that, you separate yourself.

FAQ

How do I stand out when applying for jobs?
Go beyond your resume. Reach out, follow up, and show your work.

Does networking really help?
Yes. Direct connections often matter more than applications alone.

How many times should I follow up?
More than once. Consistent follow-up is part of the process.

What makes a job application stand out?
Specificity, effort, and initiative.

Is it okay to reach out directly to hiring managers?
Yes, as long as you’re respectful and intentional.