In todays competitive job market, merely applying for open positions often doesnt suffice for candidates looking to secure a new role. The landscape has shifted considerably, and job seekers must adapt to these changes to stand out.

Jennifer Dulski, the founder and CEO of Rising Team, has extensive experience in hiring, stemming from her leadership roles at renowned tech giants such as Yahoo, Google, and Facebook. In June 2024, Dulski advertised for a chief of staff position at her company, and the response was overwhelming, with over 800 applications submitted within a short timeframe.

While Dulski and her team meticulously reviewed each application, three candidates distinguished themselves with their exceptional submissions. One applicant impressed the hiring team by including a detailed slide deck, while another went a step further by providing a video presentation. The third candidate submitted a "user manual," a term that resonated with Dulski's company ethos regarding team performance. This level of creativity and thoroughness indicated a deeper understanding of Rising Teams mission and culture, which ultimately earned all three candidates an interview.

They stood out remarkably because they had taken the initiative to conduct extra research and put in creative effort, Dulski remarked in her conversation with Business Insider. This proactive approach is more crucial than ever, especially as the job market in the United States experiences a slowdown. Employers are currently hiring at the slowest pace in nearly a decade, with fewer job openings available due to various economic factors, including uncertainties surrounding tariffs and interest rates.

Dulski pointed out that some of the finalists for the chief of staff role had never held such a position before. However, their willingness to go above and beyond in their applications made them appear highly capable. In contrast, Dulski and her team were quick to dismiss applications that felt generic or were submitted with minimal effort. They noticed that many applicants relied too heavily on artificial intelligence, often producing responses that began with similar phrases, which failed to convey genuine interest or individuality.

As Cory Stahle, an economist at the Indeed Hiring Lab, noted, while unemployment rates and layoffs remain relatively low, the available job postings in the U.S. have decreased by 3.5 percentage points in 2025. This decline signifies an increasingly challenging labor market for those seeking employment.

Dulski emphasized the importance of crafting a standout application, particularly for candidates who may not have an extensive professional network to lean on during their job search. Historically, networking has been one of the most effective ways to secure interviews, but for those lacking connections, a creatively assembled application can serve as a powerful alternative. Dulski encourages aspiring job seekers to engage in cold outreach to build connections within target organizations, but also to ensure their applications shine.

The strategy of sending something extra, to differentiate yourself, is accessible to everyone, Dulski affirmed. This approach allows candidates to highlight their unique skills and qualifications, irrespective of their connections or the privileges they may or may not possess.

However, the basics of job applications still hold significant weight. According to Susan Peppercorn, an executive coach, a strong rsum and an optimized LinkedIn profile are essential, as hiring managers will typically turn to these platforms first. Candidates should carefully consider what they want to convey about themselves to stand out effectively.

Ultimately, while there are no guarantees in the hiring process, Dulski maintains that candidates can increase their chances of getting noticed by doing something out of the ordinary. A well-crafted application not only showcases ones skills but can also compensate for any gaps in experience relative to the job description. Interestingly, the final candidate Dulski selected had not previously held a chief of staff title, demonstrating that potential often outweighs conventional qualifications.

In a positive turn, Dulski shared that although the selected hire did not include any unique elements in their application, they had shared the profiles of the other finalists with fellow business leaders, leading to several candidates being invited for interviews elsewhere. Dulski concluded, Great talent will still land jobs, even in the most challenging job markets.