How to: Cut through in a candidate rich market

In today’s market, it can be overwhelming when you're up against many candidates vying for the same role. But there are ways to make your application stand out and catch the eye of a recruiter or hiring manager. Below are our team's top tips to help you get noticed and increase your chances of landing that dream job.

1. Tailored approach

While it may seem tedious, personalising your CV for each job is essential. Hiring managers are incredibly prescriptive in a candidate-rich market and will be looking for someone who ticks all their boxes. Tailor your CV to make it crystal clear that you possess the necessary skills and experience for the specific role. Use the job ad or JD as a guide, highlighting relevant experiences and key strengths that align directly and use the same keywords. A one-size-fits-all approach might make you fade into the background, so stand out by showing you’re the perfect match.

2. Showcase Achievements

Having direct, relevant experience in your field will naturally draw attention to your application. When listing your past roles, focus on what you achieved rather than simply what you did. Employers want to know how you’ve made an impact in your previous positions, so highlight any quantifiable results, improvements, or successes you’ve been a part of. The more you can demonstrate your value through real-world examples, the stronger your application will be.

3. Boost your CV with links to your work

One of the easiest ways to set yourself apart from the sea of applicants is to make your CV more interactive. If you’ve worked on significant projects or have a portfolio of work, don’t be afraid to show it off! Include hyperlinks to any notable creative work or projects. For example, if you’ve been part of a marketing campaign or creative project, link to it in your CV. For agency client service roles, this is especially crucial. Let your experience shine through examples rather than just bullet points.

4. The use of video

Video applications are becoming increasingly popular as a way to add a personal touch to your submission. If the offer is there, take advantage of the opportunity to sell yourself via video. A short, engaging video introducing yourself and explaining why you’re the right candidate for the job can help you stand out. This is especially true for roles that require strong communication skills or client-facing positions. A video application allows you to express your enthusiasm and personality—something a CV alone can’t do. Keep it brief, professional, and impactful.

5. Specialist Recruiters

Finding a job can feel like a full-time job in itself. That’s where working with a specialist recruiter can make all the difference. Recruiters in your field know the ins and outs of the industry and often have access to roles that aren’t advertised publicly. A specialist recruiter will work with you to understand your goals and match you with the right roles, often helping you secure a position faster than you could on your own. Leverage their expertise and network to your advantage.

6. Personal Brand

Your personal brand is your digital handshake—it introduces you to potential employers before they’ve even met you. If you haven’t already, create a LinkedIn profile that showcases your skills, experience, and personality. Make sure it aligns with the details on your CV and gives a fuller picture of who you are as a professional. At the same time, ensure any other social media accounts are private unless they’re also part of your professional brand.

7. Community contribution

Engaging with your community can be a powerful differentiator. Whether it’s volunteering, contributing to local causes, or simply being active in professional groups, community involvement shows a level of initiative and engagement that employers value. If you’re not already involved, look into opportunities to give back or participate in industry events or associations. Not only will this boost your resume, but it will also broaden your network and potentially open doors to new opportunities.

In a market overflowing with exceptional candidates, distinguishing yourself can seem challenging. However, with a well-crafted strategy, you can significantly enhance your prospects. Begin by actioning some of our top tips here - making a positive impression on potential employers has never been more achievable.

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Signs It’s Time to Hire a Marketer…and how to get it right

By Kristina Gerdov • September 3, 2025

For many growing businesses, marketing is often something that gets added to the to-do list of already busy managers or existing teams. A social post here, an email there, and maybe a campaign when there’s time. But without dedicated expertise, marketing rarely delivers the consistency and commercial results your brand needs to grow. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to bring in a dedicated marketing resource, here are the key things to consider and how to ensure your first hire is set up for success. 1. The Telltale signs If your demand generation has stalled, you’re struggling to convert interest into sales, or your brand presence feels disjointed, it’s time to stop relying on ad-hoc efforts. A dedicated marketer can build and execute a strategic plan that drives consistent results and positions your brand for long-term growth. 2. What to avoid It can be tempting to look for a “jack-of-all-trades” who can do a little bit of everything. The reality? Even the most talented marketer will struggle without clear goals and defined outcomes on what the business is looking to achieve. Hiring without clarity can lead to underwhelming results and frustration on both sides. Be specific about the expertise you need and the outcomes you expect. 3. Why this hire is so important to get right Your first marketing hire is more than just another role, it often lays the foundation for your brands future growth engine. The right hire can build momentum and shape how your future team evolves. The wrong hire however, can stall progress, waste budget, and leave you back at square one. 4. Fractional vs full-time Not quite ready for a permanent commitment? Fractional marketers can be a great short-term solution to get things moving while you build the case for a full-time hire. Just be clear on their remit. Fractional marketers are ideal for campaigns, projects, or interim support, but they’re not typically suited to long-term brand building or team development. 5. What kind of marketer do you actually need? Marketing as a discipline is broad, as are the tools used to reach your desired target audience. Do you need someone to drive digital acquisition, manage partnerships, develop content, or build brand strategy? Start by clarifying your business’s biggest priorities and pain points, then match the skillset accordingly. The clearer you are upfront, the better the outcome. 6. How to set them up for success Hiring the right person is only half the job. To see results and maximum impact, you need to set your new hire up for success. This means: Clear KPIs so they know what good Vs great looks like The marketing tools and access to the resources they need to deliver Integration into cross-functional conversations with key decision-makers from day one Bec Godkin, Senior Talent Partner says “Marketing can’t succeed in a silo. The deeper your marketer is connected across the business and understands the various levers that shape success, the greater their impact will be” Hiring your first marketer is an exciting step - it signals growth, ambition, and the desire to build something bigger. By being clear on what you need, avoiding common pitfalls, and setting your hire up for success, you’ll give your business the best chance to thrive. At iknowho , we specialise in helping brands make their first marketing hire. If you’d like to talk through what kind of marketer is right for your business, we’re here to help.

What is a Fractional CMO and could one be right for you?

By Kristina Gerdov • June 25, 2025

Discover what a Fractional CMO is, the benefits they bring, and how to know if hiring one is the right move for your business.

How personal branding can supercharge your job hunt in 2025

By Kristina Gerdov • May 13, 2025

In 2025, personal branding isn't just a buzzword – it's important for anyone navigating the job market. The uncomfortable truth is this; you're likely being Googled more often than you're being interviewed. In a digital-first world, your personal brand can potentially boost your career prospects. So how can you leverage it to stand out during your job hunt? 1. Your brand is what people say when you're not in the room Personal branding isn’t just about the polished version of yourself that you post on LinkedIn. It’s what others say about you when you’re not around. Consider how you’re being perceived online and offline. Is your brand consistent, authentic, and aligned with your career aspirations? What would potential employers say about you when they Google you? To start refining your personal brand, think about your values, your goals, and how you want others to perceive you. This means showcasing your strengths, yes, but also acknowledging your struggles and learning moments. Authenticity can give you a competitive edge. 2. Lead with curiosity, not just expertise Publicly asking thoughtful, insightful questions. It positions you as someone who is constantly learning, open to feedback, and not afraid to explore new ideas – a thought provoker and idea leader in your space. In the job hunt, this quality can set you apart from others who might be more focused on offering answers than asking the right questions. So, when you’re engaging with others online or in an interview, try focusing on asking questions that spark deeper discussions. Your curiosity and willingness to learn can make a lasting impression. 3. Your personal brand is about becoming known for the right things Remember, personal branding isn’t about trying to become famous. It’s about being known for the right things – the things that align with your career goals and the value you want to offer to employers. For job seekers, this means ensuring that your online presence and interactions reflect your expertise, passion, and ambition. When crafting your personal brand, be deliberate. Think about the skills, values, and personality traits you want to highlight. 4. Be consistent and intentional The foundation of a strong personal brand is consistency. Your personal brand is built in the small, everyday actions – how you engage with your network. Consistency in your interactions helps shape how people perceive you and helps create a brand that’s memorable. If you're job hunting, it's critical to show up consistently both online and offline. This includes engaging with industry professionals on LinkedIn, contributing to discussions, and demonstrating professionalism in all your interactions. 5. Small steps to narrow the gap So, what's the gap between how you see yourself and how others might perceive you? The goal isn’t perfection, but making small, consistent adjustments that move you closer to aligning your internal brand with how you’re seen externally. It could be tweaking your LinkedIn profile, starting a blog, or sharing your expertise. What’s one small thing you could do this week to move the needle and narrow that gap? Whether it’s posting a thoughtful comment on a relevant post, reaching out to someone in your industry, or sharing a story of a recent challenge, small actions can have a big impact over time. 6. Share struggles, Not just wins When it comes to personal branding, it’s easy to fall into the trap of only sharing successes. However, some of the most credible personal brands are built on transparency – sharing the struggles and lessons learned along the way. It’s interesting to see how you handle setbacks, not just your triumphs. Embracing imperfection in your personal brand helps paint a fuller picture of who you are. Whether it’s sharing a challenging project you worked on or a time when you faced a setback and how you overcame it, these stories can help demonstrate your resilience, problem-solving abilities, and growth mindset – qualities employers are eager to see. In today’s market, personal branding isn’t just a nice-to-have. By being intentional, consistent, and authentic, you can build a personal brand that resonates with potential employers, ultimately setting you up for success in your job hunt. So, there’s no better time to start than now.