The job market is probably more competitive than it’s been in a very long time. Therefore if you’ve identified a position that you think you would be just perfect for, but you know that there is likely to be stiff competition, you’re going to have to step up your game. One way to stand out from the crowd and impress hiring managers is by demonstrating your many ‘super’ skills.

Not sure what those are? Here are few examples of super skills that help you to stand out and that can only help you during your job search phase and beyond.

Knowledge

You can’t impress any hiring manager without having detailed knowledge of both the company you’re applying to and the job that you are seeking. The challenge is to demonstrate that knowledge without appearing cocky or desperate to please. Therefore, don’t drop little tidbits when there is no need to do so, and don’t overtalk or correct your interviewer. However, when you’re being asked a question, and the opportunity arises, grab it. Professionally demonstrate your knowledge, and they’ll be suitably impressed.

Resourcefulness

Knowledge and resourcefulness go hand in hand, but they are different things. During your interview, if you want to demonstrate just how resourceful you are, you need to be able to tackle problems and work out solutions on the spot – extensive knowledge may not be necessary. There are many knowledgeable people who aren’t necessarily resourceful. Can you quickly identify solutions? Are you quick to come up with an effective plan B, when plan A falls through? It helps to be able to demonstrate that you have common sense and that you aren’t afraid to find a roundabout way of doing things.

Medical Knowledge

If you have passed your CPR first aid test or have medical training of any kind, it is always worth including that in the skills section. Why? Because not only does being a qualified first aider show that you have outside interests, it also shows that you’re dedicated to people and that you can stay calm in a crisis. Also, any employer would be happy to have someone on staff who is medically trained in the event of an emergency.

Being a Volunteer

If you do any volunteer work at all, you would be remiss not to mention it in your application because hiring managers love to see candidates who give back; who do things when there is no obligation or reward to do so, just because they want to. If you’re ever out of work for any length of time, volunteering is also a great way to fill the gaps in your resume with something productive that will impress when you’re ready to get back on the career track again.

Self-Awareness

Most people hate being asked what their biggest weaknesses are when they’re interviewing for a position, but hiring managers love to ask it because it gives them an indicator of how self-aware candidates really are. If you’re able to look at yourself and your work and clearly identify what you have done right and where you’ve done wrong, it shows that you know your stuff and that you won’t always make careless mistakes without giving them so much as a second thought. Therefore, during the interview stage, don’t be afraid to own your mistakes and turn them around and you are far more likely to impress them with your honesty, openness, and self-Innovation

Innovation

If the hiring manager is speaking to lots of applicants, they’re going to hear the same answers and hear the same solutions over and over again. If you can say something that makes them stop in their tracks; sit up and really listen because you’ve said something they weren’t expecting – something original and innovative – then at the very least you should make it to the shortlist. This could be anything from thinking of a more cost-effective way to do things to showing them a skill that they wish that they had, but would happy to have present on their team.

Organization

The people who hire you love to see signs that you’re an organized individual who knows what you’re doing and who reliable. Ensure that your resume is meticulous and are asked to come in for the interview, spend time preparing so that you have everything you need, you know what you need to say, and you get there right on time. Even the simple and obvious things can be very impressive.

Connections

This one is tricky because it is not always easy to name drop in an interview situation, nor is it always a wise thing to do. However, if you have a personal relationship with someone who could prove useful to the business, who the hiring manager, or your potential new employer, would be impressed by, it makes sense to share that if the situation presents itself. However, just don’t do it in such an obvious way that it appears as though you are bragging. If that happens, it could have the exact opposite effect to the one intended.

These are just a few of the skills that may potentially allow you to impress your hiring manager, land that amazing new job and start a fantastic career. There are more super skills that help you to stand out, and some of these may not even be applicable or suitable in your individual circumstance. It is up to you to make the decisions, do what you think is best and hopefully come away victorious.

Good luck!

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