It's a Tough Job Market. Here's How to Stand Out.

The job market right now? It’s crowded. There are layoffs, tons of new graduates, and more people than ever looking.

If you’re a mom re-entering the workforce, it can feel like you’re showing up to a race that started 10 miles ago. You're smart, capable, and ready, but how do you even begin to stand out?

Here’s what I know: you don't need to have the perfect resume, a fancy degree, or years of recent experience to get noticed. What you do need is creativity, confidence, and a few unexpected moves to help you shine in a sea of applications.

Let’s talk about what that could look like.

1. Do the job before you get the job.

Think of one way you can show what you’re capable of. Want to work in marketing? Mock up a mini campaign for a brand you love. Interested in administrative work? Organize a community spreadsheet or volunteer to help plan an event. When you lead with results (even small ones), you prove you're proactive, capable, and ready. 

2. Introduce yourself with a video. 

It might feel awkward, but it can be powerful. Record a short video (just on your phone and upload it to YouTube) introducing yourself, sharing why you’re excited about the job, and talking about what makes you a great fit. Keep it short and real--like you’re chatting with a new friend. Hiring managers remember faces and voices more than cover letters. 

3. Ask for a 15-minute chat--not a job. 

Pick one person at a company you admire and ask if they’d be open to a short conversation. Not to ask for a job, but to ask what they love about their work and how they got there. These “informational interviews” are low-pressure and high-impact (and they often lead to opportunities). 

4. Get on LinkedIn (even if just a little). 

You don’t need to become a social media expert. Just update your profile and start commenting on a few posts in industries you care about. Share an article, like someone’s career story, or post a short thought about your journey. It helps people find you and makes you look active and engaged 

5. Send a thank you email...before the interview.  If you know who’s interviewing you, send a quick email ahead of time to say thank you. Just a line or two: “I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. I’m really looking forward to our conversation.” It’s thoughtful, uncommon, and shows you care.

Listen--this market is tough, but so are you. The best thing you can do right now is find small ways to stand out by being yourself. You don’t need to compete by doing more. You can compete by doing it differently.

And every small step counts. Keep showing up. Keep being creative. And above all--keep believing that your next opportunity is out there. Because it is.

And we’re here to help you find it.