How to make your job application stand out.

Updated July 2026

Job hunting can seem like an uphill battle, especially for recent graduates. Fewer employers are looking to fill entry-level jobs, and hiring for the Class of 2026 is projected to grow by just 1.6% (Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)). To get a job in this competitive environment, it’s more important than ever to make your job application stand out.

So how can you distance yourself from the crowd? Below, we’ll share five tips that will help you land the job of your dreams.

1. Optimize your job application for ATS.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are real. In fact, 98.4% of Fortune 500 companies used a detectable ATS in 2024 (Source: Jobscan). An ATS works by scanning job applications for specific keywords and generating a score based on the number of matches. To beat the system, you’ll need to pay careful attention to the keywords in the job description and replicate them in your application, resume, or cover letter. AI tools like Jobscan can help assist with this process. By earning a higher ATS score, you’ll increase the likelihood that your application will move on to the next step in the process.   

2. Format your resume carefully.

We get it. You’re a unique individual, and you want to express your creativity in your job application. But since you’ll need to get it past the ATS, your resume needs to be machine-readable. So save it as a Word or PDF file. If your application moves forward, it will be reviewed by an AI tool or a real person who typically spends just 6–7 seconds scanning it (Source: Indeed). Make it easy to read at a glance by using a clean layout, clear headings, and simple formatting with bullets and one or two fonts. To get started, consider using a free resume template. 

3. Focus on transferable skills.

As a student or recent graduate, you may have limited or no experience in the world of work. So here’s a hack: think about the transferable skills you’ve used in your academic, volunteer, or extracurricular activities and include them in your job application. If the job requires critical thinking, share how you analyzed annual reports in your finance class to determine if a company was worth investing in. Customer service experience? How about the people you served at your neighborhood food pantry? And you’ve got teamwork nailed by playing on a soccer team. By focusing on your transferable skills, you can demonstrate you have experience even if you’ve never held a job.    

4. Build a digital portfolio.

Providing samples of your work is another great way to stand out from the crowd. Whether it is a presentation you created for your entrepreneurial business course or a website you designed for your sorority, these artifacts demonstrate your skills and professionalism. And you’ll get bonus points if you can provide metrics or an impact that resulted from the artifact you developed. For example, your presentation got a 97, the highest grade in your class of 50 students, or your new design doubled the number of unique visitors to the website. 

5. Gain real-world experience. 

Experiential learning programs, including internships, co-op placements, and project-based opportunities, help students gain meaningful experience while they are still in school. These experiences allow you to apply what you have learned in the classroom, build professional connections, and develop a portfolio that demonstrates your capabilities.

Riipen’s programs make this kind of experience more accessible and structured. Through Riipen Labs, students take their first step by working on short, paid projects with employers, building foundational skills and confidence. From there, they can progress to Riipen's more advanced programs, Level UP, and then to FuturePath to continue gaining experience, strengthening their portfolio, and expanding their network.

By working directly with employers on real business challenges, students are not only developing in-demand skills but also creating tangible evidence of their work. This can help them stand out on job applications and, in some cases, lead to strong references from the employers they have worked with. 

Sandesh Tulsani, a student at Seneca College, took this route using Riipen, an experiential learning platform. “It helped me gain confidence in a professional environment. I was able to gain skills and learn how to implement them in the real world which also made my resume strong and effective for the upcoming job applications I will participate in,” he explained. 

Mary-Grace Nassralla, another student, agreed. “In a world where the job market asks for experience but refuses to invest in junior talent and skill to give them that experience, Riipen is a blessing for anyone trying to build their career.” 

In the competitive landscape of job applications, it's crucial to stand out. By following these tips, you can set yourself apart and increase your chances of landing that dream job. 

To learn more about how students can benefit from Riipen’s real-world projects and internship opportunities, visit our website. 

‍

About the author:

Carol Chin is a communications consultant specializing in content creation, storytelling, and thought leadership in the education and workforce development sectors. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, she held senior leadership roles at global education and talent development companies including Pearson, Ellucian, and Stride before starting her own company to partner with mission-driven organizations. Her work informs, inspires, and empowers learners and professionals about key issues and trends in education, career readiness, and jobs of the future.

‍