Searching for a Job? 5 Crucial Ways to Stand Out

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With the job market as hot as it is, it's critical that job seekers find a way to stand out from the crowd.

While many companies are boosting their hiring, they're also being more selective when adding new employees, according to a study from the staffing services firm The Creative Group.

The research revealed that advertising and marketing executives receive an average of 23 résumés for every open position. They then interview at least six of those applicants before filling the role.

"Employers are looking for individuals with very specific skill sets who also will be a good fit with the team and work environment," Diane Domeyer, executive director of The Creative Group, said in a statement. "Job seekers can get a leg up on the competition by being prepared for every stage of the hiring process."

To help job seekers stand out during the search process, The Creative Group offers these tips.

• Do your homework: Before applying for a new job, it is critical to study up on the organization. Spend time reviewing the firm's website and social media feeds, searching for news articles and company reviews, and asking people in your network for insight. If called in for an interview, the information gathered will help job seekers better communicate the specific ways they can contribute to the organization's success.
• Be error-free: When sending out résumés it is important to avoid mistakes.  In addition to simple spelling and grammar errors, job seekers also want to avoid including information that's not targeted or job-specific. You want to tailor your résumé and application materials to each company's specific needs.
• Interview preparation: Since hiring managers often ask tough interview questions to gauge interpersonal and problem-solving skills, job seekers should not only practice responses to common queries but also practice thinking on their feet. It's important to shape answers that highlight your ability to work well with a team and how you can solve difficult objectives.
• Be yourself: With an extra emphasis being put on hiring employees who are both a technical and cultural fit, employers want to get a sense of an applicant's personality and passions to ensure they're a good choice.You can make a stronger impression by answering questions honestly, rather than firing off boring cookie-cutter responses.
• Don't forget to follow up: While it might seem obvious, following up after an interview is an often overlooked step in the process. The Creative Group recommends job seekers send a personalized email thank-you to each person they met with within 24 hours of an interview.

The study was based on interviews of200 marketing executives from companies with 100 or more employees and 200 advertising executives from agencies with 20 or more employees.