Stand Out in a Sea of Job Seekers
Strategies to Boost Your Visibility and Land Your Dream Role
Hello, I am Saurabh Tandon and welcome to the free weekly edition of More than Buzzwords.
If you're seeking a job in this ever-evolving and highly competitive AI-driven world, where standing out can be challenging, or if you're a professional pivoting in your career, this newsletter will be incredibly valuable to you. Inside, you'll find actionable tips and insights to help you take that next step in your career. Ultimately, this newsletter is for anyone who wants to stand out and thrive in an AI-dominated space.
In this newsletter, you'll learn:
How to maximize your job search impact
How to distinguish yourself from the noise of AI content
Why you are—and will always be—better than AI (yes, that's true)
The 5 habits of the top 1% of job seekers
Let’s Level Up! 🚀
(and get ready to crush it in the AI-powered world ahead!)
A Historical Parallel: Embracing Technological Change
A few decades ago, the internet arrived, and people panicked. They feared it would take away their jobs and make them redundant. But what actually happened?
The internet revolutionized job markets, creating thousands of new opportunities that no one could have imagined.
Fast forward to today: AI has entered the scene, and we’re hearing the same fears. Many believe it will replace them entirely. But the truth is, AI and its rapid advancements are just another phase in the evolution of technology.
The people who learn how to leverage it to their advantage and coexist with this transformation will gain a significant edge over others.
"The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic." – Peter Drucker.
Yes, AI can perform repetitive tasks faster than humans. But what it lacks—and will always lack—is what humans uniquely bring to the table: creativity, empathy, emotional intelligence, intuition, and lived experiences.
While AI can augment your abilities, it can never replace the essence of what makes you human. And, as AI takes over routine tasks, skills like problem-solving and creative thinking become even more valuable.
For instance, if you are a writer, you can leverage AI to help you find relatable quotes, double-check data, and ease your research. However, what truly makes your writing stand out is your unique flair, personal experiences, and distinctive perspective.
So, Think of AI as a powerful tool that enhances productivity and unlocks new opportunities—be it career pivots or being better at your job
The Noise of AI Content
As someone who has conducted over 200 interviews across various roles and seniority levels, I’ve reviewed countless resumes and cover letters. However, the sad reality today is that, despite their polished appearance, these resumes remain indistinguishable from one another—as if they were all written by the same hand or, perhaps, the same AI tool.
It’s not just resumes. Outreach messages, cold emails, and LinkedIn posts all sound the same now, each striving for attention yet blending into the background noise.
Now, here’s the question of the hour: "In a world where AI churns out perfect answers and content, how do you stand out?"
This isn’t just a rhetorical question; it’s the challenge of the modern job market. AI has levelled the playing field in many ways, but it has also created a new problem: unparalleled similarity.
The tools that make it quick and easy to craft a perfect resume or LinkedIn post have, paradoxically, made it harder for individuals to truly stand out.
So, the real question isn’t whether you can use AI to optimize your profile—it’s whether you can go beyond the polish and showcase the human essence that AI can’t replicate.
Standing out isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being unforgettable.
This is the double-edged sword of the AI-driven job market. AI can help you meet the standard of professionalism, but it can’t capture the qualities that make you unique. It can’t showcase your personal story, your emotional intelligence, or your creative thinking.
So, in order to grow and leave an impact in this highly competitive space, you need to recognize where AI ends and human ingenuity begins. The goal isn’t just to use AI to keep up—it’s to leverage what AI can’t offer.
Success comes from combining the best of AI’s efficiency with the authenticity, emotional depth, and originality that only you can bring to the table.
This graph shows that while AI content is efficient and widely used, human-generated content tends to achieve higher engagement rates due to its personal touch, authenticity, and emotional connection.
Now, let’s look at some tips that can help you and your resume stand out from the pool of similar-looking resumes.
#1. The Art of Crafting a Stand-Out Personal Brand
“70% of hiring managers report that personal branding is essential in the recruitment process.”
Standing out in today’s career landscape requires intentional effort. And, the most overlooked yet powerful tools to differentiate yourself are your resume and online profile. Here’s what you can do to make your resume and profile really stand out and make the recruiters go “This really caught my eye!”
Sell Results, Not Responsibilities- Most resumes summarize responsibilities: “Responsible for managing a team.” But what hiring managers really want to see is impact.
For example: “Increased team productivity by 30% through new process implementation.”🚀 This mirrors the human edge AI lacks—creativity, lived experiences, and real-world problem-solving.
Use Keywords Strategically- Keywords aren’t just for SEO—they can make or break your resume’s visibility in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Use tools like ResyMatch.io or Jobscan.co to identify role-specific keywords and seamlessly integrate them into your bullets.
For example, if you are applying for a Data Analysis job, you might come across keywords such as SQL, Python, Machine Learning, Data Mining, Problem-Solving, Stakeholder Collaboration, Revenue Growth, and Cost Savings. Integrating these specific keywords into your resume can help you rank higher on the ATS. Here’s how the bullet points can be improved:
Aesthetic and Structure Matter- Yes, aesthetics matter not just on Instagram, but also on your resume. A clean, professional looking resume and profile will always hook a reader and make them stay.
Consider creating a highlight reel or a pinned post on your LinkedIn profile that will be the first thing your recruiters see, and in just 10-20 seconds they will get to know all your achievements and get a sneak peek into your professional life.
Personalization Is Key- Tailor your resume for each role. Use specific keywords and frame your value around the position you're targeting. A generic resume can cost you opportunities, much like generic AI content fails to resonate.
Showcase Human Connection and Interests- AI can’t replicate personality, and that’s your secret weapon. A well-crafted “Interests” section on your profile can inject individuality into your profile, making you memorable.
For instance, sharing specific interests like “Podcasts: regular listener of HBR IdeaCast” or ‘Tech Blogging: love to explore AI in business’ might spark unexpected connections.
So, we've talked about standing out, leveraging your human touch, and embracing authenticity in an AI-dominated space. But how do you actually put it into action?
How do you stay motivated and make real progress without feeling burnt out? That's where the 3x20 Framework comes in. It's like a roadmap for your job search – it helps you stay organized, focused, and take meaningful steps every week.
#2. The 3x20 Career Accelerator Framework
In this AI era, consistency and focused action are vital for standing out. One of my clients was having a hard time finding a job. He had been searching for the perfect role for almost three months. I discussed this challenge with him and suggested the "3x20 Career Accelerator Framework."
Trust me, within a month, he landed his dream job. Consistency truly works like magic.
Take a look at this framework if you also wish to streamline your job search, build meaningful connections, and distinguish yourself—all in just 60 minutes a day, three days a week.
Here’s how it works:
3 Focus Areas
20 Minutes per Focus Area
3 Days per Week
By targeting high-impact actions across three key areas, this method will help you stay productive without feeling overwhelmed.
⭐Focus Area 1: Targeted Job Applications (20 Minutes)
Instead of mass applying, focus on crafting 2-3 highly personalized applications:
Use AI tools like ChatGPT to help outline a tailored cover letter, then edit it with your personal insights.
Highlight measurable results and creative solutions you’ve achieved in your past roles.
Research each company’s culture and values to align your application with their priorities.
Quality over quantity is the mantra here.
⭐Focus Area 2: Building New Connections (20 Minutes)
Networking is a superpower in the job market. Spend time finding and engaging with 2-3 new connections who align with your goals:
Use LinkedIn to identify professionals at your target companies or industry peers.
Personalize your outreach messages with something specific, like shared interests, recent achievements, or mutual connections.
Offer value in your initial interaction, such as sharing an insightful article or unique perspective. Build genuine relationships before asking for favors like referrals.
AI tools can assist in researching profiles, but meaningful conversations are uniquely human.
Remember, people hire those they know and trust. Relationships are key in an AI-dominated market.
⭐Focus Area 3: Showcasing Thought Leadership (20 Minutes)
Visibility and credibility are intertwined. Dedicate this time to:
Sharing valuable content: Publish insightful LinkedIn posts or articles based on industry trends, your experiences, or recent news.
Engaging meaningfully: Interact with 3-4 posts from target companies or leaders in your field by offering valuable comments and insights.
Establishing your brand: Position yourself as a thought leader by consistently sharing your unique perspectives and expertise.
This focus ensures that recruiters and peers perceive you as an active and insightful contributor. Don't wait for experience to find you. Create a unique narrative around your knowledge and actions—publish articles, engage in discussions, and build a portfolio that demonstrates your deep understanding of your field.
In an AI-driven world, expertise is a powerful differentiator. Show potential employers that you are not just a consumer of content, but a creator and thought leader.
This framework will not only help you create tailored applications, increasing your chances of landing your desired job, but also help you build meaningful connections, increase your visibility, and showcase your expertise. These factors are crucial for career advancement.
I'll share a story of my junior who wanted to pivot into a new field. To gain complete knowledge of this new field, she started writing three articles per week on diverse topics. This compelled her to research relentlessly and learn a great deal along the way.
Furthermore, posting new articles three times a week significantly increased her visibility. It helped her build connections and showcase her expertise to industry peers and leaders in that field.
Not only this, it also helped her curate a valuable portfolio, ultimately leading to her landing the job she desired.
Alright, now let’s discuss what it takes to be among the top 1% job seekers.
#3. The 5 Habits of the Top 1% Job Seekers
Having interviewed numerous candidates, I've observed that successful job seekers differentiate themselves through strategic positioning. They understand the importance of capturing the attention of hiring managers and securing top-tier roles.
These are the 5 habits of the top 1% of job seekers that I’ve observed.
Showcase Your Value by ideating and roadmapping one problem area for an organisation - Resumes often tell what you've done, but a such projects show what you can do for a company.
Imagine this: Instead of just mentioning your past achievements, you solve a real-world problem related to the job you want. This approach helps you:
Stand Out: Most candidates don't make this effort, making you instantly memorable.
Show, Don't Tell: Hiring managers see your skills in action, not just read about them.
Control the Narrative: You choose the project, highlighting your most relevant skills.
This thought process is powerful for any role, traditional or not. They shift the focus from your past to your potential, making you a much stronger candidate.
Bypass the "Front Door"- Instead of relying solely on online applications, leverage your network. Reach out directly to decision-makers through platforms like LinkedIn, asking for informational interviews and building connections that lead to job opportunities.
Prove Your Value, Don’t Just Talk About It- Top performers don't just talk about their skills – they prove them. Build a portfolio, create case studies, and find ways to showcase your impact with real-world examples. Let your work speak for itself!
Here is my work portfolio
Be Proactive- The best candidates aren't passive. They take initiative, research companies deeply, and prepare thoroughly for interviews. They show they're eager to contribute and eager to learn. So, be a go-getter!
For example, after applying for a role at a company, you can delve deep into the company's recent projects, publications, and news articles. Then, identify a specific challenge the company is facing.
You can then reach out to the hiring manager, informing them that you have applied for a particular role and expressing your interest in brainstorming potential solutions with them.
Be Genuinely Curious- Top 1% candidates ask insightful questions that show they've really done their homework. They're not just looking for a paycheck – they're looking for a place to grow and make a real difference.
#4. Navigating the AI Noise: Stay Authentic
So, the key takeaway is that to effectively navigate the AI noise, you must be authentic and embrace your individuality.
In an AI-dominated world, being authentic is more valuable than ever. Stay true to your voice, values, and mission, and make sure this shines through everything you create or share.
AI follows predictable patterns, but creativity and bold opinions are irreplaceable. So, move beyond templates—be daring, share personal stories, and express unique insights that AI-generated content simply can’t replicate.
Human-centric communication never gets outdated. Emotional intelligence, empathy, and the human touch are essential for building trust. So, be authentic in your communication—personalized emails, heartfelt thank-you notes, and thoughtful follow-ups can leave a lasting impression. In a world where AI narrows down candidates, it's human connection that ultimately seals the deal.
Master the art of storytelling. AI can copy data, but it can’t tell your unique story. Share your personal journey—challenges overcome, lessons learned, and growth achieved.
This wraps up our newsletter on How to Thrive in an AI-Dominated Market. I hope you enjoyed this piece and found some valuable tips. Stay tuned for more insights, strategies, and trends to help you grow in your career.If you found this newsletter informative, consider referring it to a friend. I write about startups, businesses, careers, and entrepreneurship—published every FridayAlso do provide your feedback or any questions that you may have on my email id: saurabh.substack.2407@gmail.com