Setting Yourself Apart: Employers' Advice for 2024
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, you probably know that the job market in 2024 is a rough one for those seeking employment. Unemployment is down to record low levels, meaning that, in this “Employer’s Market,” competition is higher than ever. But how can you hope to stand out in such a competitive job market? To answer this question, we sought out advice from business owner, Program Manager, and career coach/mentor, Cody McGaughey.
Cody is an Engineering Program Manager for AI Adoption & Readiness at Microsoft. With 15 years in the Information Technology industry, Cody currently leads the Microsoft AI Copilot rollout internally, enhancing productivity through AI enablement. Based in Houston, he continues to uplift others through his own company, SonderEclectic Consulting. As the former CEO of The Bauer MBA Society (BMBAS), Cody has dedicated his skills to corporate empowerment, coaching, and mentorship, helping young professionals connect with industry leaders.
Here are his five pieces of advice for job-seekers:
1. Embrace new challenges
”Don't be afraid to try something new and challenge yourself; be confident in your ability to rise to the occasion and communicate that through your presence. Never tell yourself that you aren't capable, or that you're not qualified enough. We all have imposter syndrome, those who succeed are those who try anyways and find themselves succeeding despite their hesitancy.”
2. Learn continuously
“Never stop learning, and be sure to make your growth visible. Demonstrating a commitment to self-investment and initiative-taking helps you stand out as someone who is resourceful and driven. This could mean pursuing certifications, continuous education, or even getting experience in other roles that help build your knowledge and experience. Don't be shy. Talk about all that you're doing, post about it on Linkedin, put it on your resume. You never know which esoteric skill may be exactly what helps you stand out.”
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3. Master technology
“Be comfortable with technology and key products or applications, be able to speak intelligently about them, their use-cases, their competitors, and any relevant experience you've accumulated with such resources. As we move forward into this new era of AI-Enabled Work, be open to obtaining familiarity and mastery with it, and other key tools, so that you can be a thought-leader and subject-matter-expert when needed.”
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4. Network actively
“Reach out and be part of the community for your chosen field. Meet and collaborate with other professionals, attend conferences, join organizations, and build rapport with those who can help guide you to success. To be successful, you have to be more than your accomplishments and education, you need to build personal relationships and demonstrate your soft skills and character.”
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5. Show Genuine Interest
“Ask for the job. Show your genuine interest for the role and your earnest desire to work in the role, as well as your vision for the future. Employers often want to hire those with potential, strong communication skills, and a desire for long-term growth with the company. If you do receive an interview, be grateful, be focused, and actually ask for the role at the end. Be willing to put yourself out there to demonstrate your sincerity.”
If you’ve been struggling your way through Indeed.com with few responses, Cody McGaughey’s advice provides a path to improvement and to standing out from the crowd. By following these five pieces of advice, you’ll have a better shot at navigating your career with confidence and purpose. So take this advice to heart, embrace the journey, stay open to learning, and seize the opportunities ahead. The future is bright for those ready to take action.
