How can I make my job application stand out from hundreds of others?

To stand out, you need to go above and beyond the standard requirements. This could involve creating a custom video, ghostwriting a newsletter in the company's tone, or sending multiple follow-up emails. The key is to demonstrate your initiative and passion in a way that makes it exceptionally easy for the employer to consider you.

Should my CV be long to show all my experience?

No, employers often prefer concise CVs. A CV that is six pages long can be overwhelming and may not get read. Aim for a one-page CV that clearly and effectively highlights your most relevant skills and experiences for the specific job you're applying for.

What's more important in a cover letter: my reasons for wanting the job or the value I bring?

Employers care more about the value you can bring to their company than your personal reasons for wanting the job. Instead of explaining how the role will boost your confidence or experience, focus on detailing the specific benefits you offer to the employer, such as your relevant skills and how you can solve their problems.

How important is it to match the company's 'vibe' in my application?

Matching the company's vibe is crucial, especially for startups or companies with a distinct culture. Using overly formal language or a generic greeting like 'Dear Hiring Manager' can signal that you don't understand or fit their culture. Tailor your communication style to reflect their tone (e.g., friendly, casual, professional).

Is it okay to use big words in my cover letter to sound intelligent?

No, it's generally better to write clearly and concisely, using shorter words when possible, as George Orwell advised. Overly complex language can make your application sound less genuine and harder to read. Aim to write as you would speak, focusing on clear communication rather than trying to sound artificially intelligent.

What's the biggest mistake applicants make with their CVs or cover letters?

A major red flag is submitting applications with spelling and grammar errors. This shows a lack of attention to detail, which is critical in most roles. Always proofread your application carefully, using tools like Google Docs or Grammarly, or having someone else review it.

What is the ultimate secret to long-term career success?

The ultimate secret is to consistently do whatever job you are currently doing exceptionally well. This builds a strong reputation, leads to excellent references, and attracts opportunities organically. When you excel, you become an 'A player' that other A players want to work with, creating a virtuous cycle of success.

I Read 2,216 Resumes. Here’s How You Stand Out 🚀

Ali Abdaal

Education5 min read30 min video

Jun 14, 2022|507,008 views|25,669|696

Ali Abdaal Ali abdal job application how to stand out job application letter sample how to land your dream job how to get your dream job dream job resume CV best resumes Resume tips and tricks

Save to Pod

Key Moments

TL;DR

15 tips for job applications: embrace "third door" opportunities, showcase value, and build portfolios.

Key Insights

Utilize "third door" strategies like cold outreach and opportunistic networking to bypass traditional application channels.

Focus on demonstrating value to the employer from the outset, rather than solely on personal benefit.

Build a strong portfolio of work and skills *before* applying to make your application stand out.

Tailor your application materials (CV, cover letter) to the specific job and company, keeping CVs concise (one page ideally).

Pass the "vibe check" by understanding and mirroring the company's culture and communication style.

Substantiate all claims with evidence, avoid buzzwords, and prioritize clear, conversational language over jargon.

EMBRACE THE THIRD DOOR APPROACH

The conventional job application process is like the main entrance to a club. However, a "third door" strategy involves seeking unconventional entry points. This can mean cold emailing or direct messaging individuals or companies you'd like to work for, even if there isn't a stated vacancy. By proactively reaching out and demonstrating initiative, like sending multiple emails over time, you increase the chances of connecting with the right person at the right moment, potentially leading to unique opportunities.

BE AN OPPORTUNIST AND MAKE IT EASY TO SAY YES

Seizing opportunities, even when they arise unexpectedly, is crucial. This includes responding quickly to indirect cues, such as a fleeting mention of potential hiring needs on social media. To make employers more receptive, frame your proposition as an experiment or trial. Offering to work for a short period for free or a reduced rate, with no obligation for the employer, significantly lowers the barrier to entry and makes it a 'no-brainer' decision for them to give you a chance.

BUILDING A COMPELLING PORTFOLIO AND CV

A strong portfolio of work and demonstrable skills is essential before you even apply. This could be a personal YouTube channel, a collection of ghostwritten content, or completed projects relevant to the desired role. When it comes to your CV, conciseness is key. Aim for one page, or two at most, ensuring all content is relevant to the specific job you're applying for. A cluttered, multi-page CV is overwhelming and unlikely to be fully read, diminishing your chances of making a positive impression.

LEAD WITH VALUE, NOT SELF-INTEREST

When applying or sending a cold email, always focus on the value you can bring to the employer. Instead of explaining why you want the job for your own benefit (e.g., to gain experience, boost your CV), articulate precisely why they should hire you. This means highlighting your skills, understanding of their content or needs, and how you can solve their problems or contribute to their goals. Employers care about how you can benefit them first; your personal gains are a secondary outcome.

GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO STAND OUT

To truly differentiate yourself, go the extra mile in your application. This doesn't necessarily mean completing a trial task, but rather showing initiative beyond what is asked. Examples include creating a video about why you want to work for the company, ghostwriting a sample newsletter in their tone, or even learning a new skill (like video editing) to demonstrate your commitment. Such efforts signal dedication and creativity, making your application memorable and significantly increasing your interview chances.

PASS THE VIBE CHECK AND COMMUNICATE CLEARLY

Understand and adapt to the company's culture and communication style. Avoid overly formal language, generic salutations like 'Dear Hiring Manager,' or 'To Whom It May Concern,' especially in startups or creative environments. Instead, use conversational, clear language as if you were speaking. Substantiate any claims with evidence and avoid vague buzzwords or unsubstantiated assertions of excellence. Honesty about your limitations, coupled with a clear articulation of your potential contributions, is more effective than inflated claims.

DEMONSTRATE AUTHENTIC ENTHUSIASM AND PROFESSIONALISM

While enthusiasm is good, avoid excessive or 'fanboy' levels of praise, which can come across as needy or insincere. Focus on conveying genuine interest in the role and the company's work, backed by specific reasons why you are a good fit. Present yourself as a capable professional who can solve problems and lighten the employer's load, rather than just an adoring fan. This balanced approach ensures you appear confident and competent, not desperate.

MAINTAIN METICULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Basic errors in your application, such as typos or grammatical mistakes, are significant red flags. They suggest a lack of attention to detail, which is critical in almost any role. Utilize tools like Google Docs or Grammarly to proofread thoroughly. A cover letter is your first impression; ensuring it is error-free is non-negotiable, as these mistakes can quickly lead to your application being discarded without further consideration.

THE POWER OF VIDEO APPLICATIONS

Consider submitting a video as part of your application, even if not explicitly requested. Recording a brief video on your phone or using a tool like Loom and uploading it unlisted can showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and communication skills in a way a written document cannot. This unique approach helps you move beyond being just another candidate number and become a memorable individual, significantly increasing your chances of progressing to the next stage of the hiring process.

DO THE JOB YOU HAVE EXTREMELY WELL

The ultimate strategy for long-term career success is to excel in your current role. Doing your job exceptionally well not only makes you a valuable asset but also builds a strong reputation. This leads to glowing references, creates networking opportunities with other high-performers, and naturally opens doors for future opportunities without needing to actively seek them. Outstanding performance is often the best job search tool you can possess.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Companies

●Organizations

●Books

●People Referenced

How to Stand Out When Applying for Jobs: A Quick Guide

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Use the 'Third Door' approach: go beyond standard applications.

Cold email or DM potential employers or contacts.

Be an opportunist and seize unexpected chances.

Make it easy for employers to say 'yes' (e.g., offer trial periods).

Build a portfolio of skills and assets before or during your application.

Tailor your CV to fit one page and be relevant to the specific job.

Lead with the value you can provide to the employer.

Go above and beyond in your application (e.g., create a video).

Understand and match the company's vibe and culture.

Substantiate all claims with specific evidence or examples.

Write clearly and conversationally, as if speaking.

Proofread meticulously for any spelling or grammar errors.

Consider sending a video as part of your application.

Do your current job exceptionally well to build reputation and references.

Avoid This

Don't rely solely on the 'first door' (standard job portals).

Don't send generic, untailored applications.

Don't make applications solely about your own needs or benefits.

Don't use overly formal or corporate language if the company culture is casual.

Don't use buzzwords or make unsubstantiated claims.

Don't use overly complex language or big words unnecessarily.

Don't be a 'fanboy/fangirl' — aim for a professional, competent peer relationship.

Don't submit applications with obvious typos or grammatical errors.

Don't assume employers don't care about personality; show it via video or other means.

Don't try to 'BS' your way through an application; be honest.

Common Questions

The 'Third Door' strategy involves bypassing traditional application channels. It means going down the alleyway, popping open the kitchen window, and making friends with the staff to sneak into the nightclub – metaphorically speaking. This translates to creative and proactive approaches like cold emailing, or directly contacting people in the company to get noticed.

Topics

Mindset & Self-Improvement Business & Entrepreneurship Job Applications Resume Tips Cover Letters Job Searching Standing Out

Mentioned in this video

personBill Gates

Mentioned as an example of someone who succeeded by taking the 'third door' approach to landing their first software sale.

personCharlie Munger

Warren Buffett's business partner, known for the quote, 'The best source of legal work is the work that is already on your desk.'

organizationOxford University

Mentioned as collaborating with 80,000 Hours to research high-impact careers.

personWarren Buffett

Business partner of Charlie Munger, relevant in the context of doing current work exceptionally well.

tool80,000 Hours

A nonprofit organization that helps people find impactful careers, offering research, guides, and a job board.

personWill McCaslin

Co-founder of 80,000 Hours, formerly a young professor of philosophy at Oxford University.

personSteven Spielberg

Mentioned as an example of someone who succeeded by taking the 'third door' approach to landing their first film gig.

personNaval Ravikant

Author of 'The Almanac of Naval Ravikant,' who suggests working for free for a month to make it easy for employers to say yes.

personJohnny Harris

A journalist and YouTuber who built a portfolio through his job at an architecture firm, leading to a role at Vox Media and his own successful YouTube channel.

bookThe Almanac of Naval Ravikant

A book by Naval Ravikant that offers life advice and wisdom, including the strategy of offering to work for free to secure a job.

toolVox Media

A media company where Johnny Harris landed a job doing animations and journalism, leveraging his previously built portfolio.

personDavid Pell

Mentioned as a resource for learning how to make writing sound more conversational.

personDicky Bush

Mentioned as a resource for learning how to make writing sound more conversational.

personElizabeth Phillips

DM'd the speaker after an Instagram Live and was hired as a personal assistant, eventually moving into a role helping with the part-time YouTuber academy.

personGeorge Orwell

Author whose advice on writing emphasizes using short words instead of big words when a shorter word would suffice.