Standing out in today’s world is more important than ever. Whether you’re submitting a job application, stepping into an interview, navigating your career, or just trying to make a mark in life, standing out is the foundation for everything else. If you want to influence change, improve processes, or make your voice heard, you need people to notice you first. But here’s the thing—there are good ways to stand out, and there are bad ways. The key is to stand out for the right reasons.
As a CEO, I’ve reviewed countless resumes, conducted interviews, led teams, and watched people rise through their careers. What separates those who shine from those who blend into the background? It’s not luck or flashy gimmicks. It’s strategy, self-awareness, and execution. Today, I’ll share practical tips on how to stand out at every stage—when applying for a job, during an interview, while performing your job, and in life.
The first place where most people need to stand out is in a job application. With dozens—or even hundreds—of resumes flooding an employer’s inbox, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. So how do you make yours stand out?
It starts with tailoring your application. Generic resumes are a one-way ticket to the “no” pile. Instead of sending the same resume to every employer, customize it for the specific role you’re applying for. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the position. Use keywords from the job description to show you understand what the company is looking for. A tailored resume tells the employer you’ve done your homework and that you’re serious about this role—not just any job.
To make this easier, create several templates based on the types of role you are looking for. This way you don’t need to start from scratch every time. For example, if you are looking for a job in sales in the tech field have different templates for different sizes of companies. Things that are important to start-ups are different than things that are important to well established companies.
Then, of course, make sure your resume is easy to read, well-organized, and visually appealing. Keep it clean, professional, and free of typos or grammatical errors. These details show that you’re thorough and take pride in your work.
And let’s not forget about your cover letter. Use the cover letter to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your unique skills can benefit the company. Be specific and genuine. Employers are drawn to people who show enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the company’s mission and values. This should be 100% unique to the job itself, don’t just have a standard version you send off every time.
Once you’ve captured the employer’s attention with your application, the next step is to stand out in the interview. Interviews are your best opportunity to showcase your personality, skills, and potential.
Preparation is key. Research the company thoroughly before the interview. Understand their mission, values, and recent accomplishments. This knowledge not only helps you answer questions intelligently but also shows the interviewer that you’ve invested time in learning about them. Maybe throw in a question about how they landed on their mission or what led to a recent accomplishment.
During the interview, focus on being authentic and confident. This one is a lot easier said than done and, really, could be a whole separate video. But let’s hit the main points: speak clearly, maintain good posture, and make eye contact. Listen actively to the interviewer’s questions, repeat back what they are saying, and respond thoughtfully. Avoid generic answers and instead, share specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Another powerful way to stand out is by asking insightful questions. Many candidates make the mistake of not asking questions or only asking surface-level ones. Instead, ask about the company’s goals, challenges, or culture. For example, you might ask, “What does success look like for this role in the first six months?” or “How does the team handle challenges when priorities shift unexpectedly?” These kinds of questions show that you’re thinking critically about how you can contribute.
Let’s move to the next stage: standing out in your job performance. Once you’ve landed the role, the real work begins. Standing out as an employee isn’t about being the loudest person in the room; it’s about delivering results, building relationships, and consistently adding value.
One way to stand out is by mastering the art of proactivity. This one is huge, especially for people that are just starting out. Don’t wait for someone to tell you what needs to be done—look for opportunities to contribute. Whether it’s streamlining a process, solving a problem, or helping a colleague, taking initiative shows leadership and a commitment to the team’s success. However, you still want to make sure you are first completing the tasks that are assigned to you.
Equally important is being reliable. People who consistently meet deadlines, follow through on commitments, and deliver high-quality work build trust and credibility. Being reliable doesn’t mean being perfect; it means being accountable. If you make a mistake, own it, learn from it, and move forward.
Standing out also requires you to focus on growth. Seek feedback regularly, not just during performance reviews. Ask your manager or colleagues for constructive input on how you can improve. Show that you’re open to learning and evolving. The employees who stand out most are the ones who are constantly improving and adapting to new challenges.
Something I would recommend is creating some kind of KPI tracker, something to track your work and your impact. This will be very valuable to then show off during a performance review. To be able to actually point an say, “look, here is what I did, here is what I improved, and here is the impact I made!”
Another way to stand out in your job is to build strong relationships. Success in the workplace isn’t just about what you know; it’s about how well you collaborate with others. Be approachable, supportive, and respectful. Offer to help when a colleague is overwhelmed or share credit when a team effort leads to success. People remember those who uplift others, not just those who focus on their own advancement.
Finally, let’s talk about standing out in life. This is about more than just your career—it’s about how you present yourself in the world and the impact you make on those around you.
Standing out in life begins with clarity. Know your values, your goals, and what you want to achieve. When you have a clear sense of purpose, it’s easier to make decisions that align with your vision. People are drawn to individuals who are intentional and focused, rather than those who seem to drift without direction.
Another key to standing out is cultivating a unique perspective. This doesn’t mean being different for the sake of it; it means developing your own insights and ideas. Read widely, learn from diverse experiences, and don’t be afraid to challenge conventional thinking. The world remembers those who offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
Equally important is how you treat others. Kindness, empathy, and integrity go a long way in setting you apart. People are drawn to those who treat others with respect and care, whether it’s in professional or personal interactions. Be the person who listens actively, helps without expecting anything in return, and keeps their word. These traits make a lasting impression.
Standing out in life also means embracing resilience. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but how you respond to them defines your character. Instead of being discouraged by failure, use it as a learning opportunity. Show that you can bounce back, adapt, and grow stronger. This resilience not only helps you achieve your goals but also inspires others around you.
Let’s tie all of this together with a simple principle: standing out isn’t about being flashy or seeking attention for its own sake. It’s about making a meaningful impact, whether in your career or your personal life. It’s about showing up as your best self, contributing value, and leaving a positive mark wherever you go.
As you reflect on these tips, think about where you currently stand and where you’d like to improve. What’s one step you can take today to stand out in your application, your interview, your job, or your life?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. What strategies have helped you stand out? Don’t forget to like this video, subscribe to the channel, and check out my profile for more tips on leadership, mindset, and success.
Together, let’s continue to learn, grow, and elevate humanity—one post and one step at a time.