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20 Ways to Be More Hireable
Are you tired of feeling like just another applicant? Learn how to be more hireable with our help so you can stand out to employers and land the job you’re after.
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Getting hired is about so much more than ticking boxes on a job listing. It’s about making employers see you as the right choice—someone they want on their team. That takes more than experience. It’s about how you present yourself, how you network, and how you prove your value.
Your hireability isn’t fixed. It’s something you can actively improve. With a few smart strategies, such as fine-tuning your resume, building a strong personal brand, and sharpening your in-demand, hireable skills, you can stand out in a crowded job market.
Your goal? Be impossible to ignore. Here are key ways to establish yourself as the most hireable candidate and stay top of mind among every hiring manager you meet.
How to Improve Hireability: 15 Strategies
You want to get hired. You know you’re likely competing against dozens of candidates. You have the skills, but can recruiters and hiring managers see them?
Hireability is how well you position yourself as the right choice. It’s what makes you stand out in a sea of resumes, what gets you remembered after an interview, and what turns a “maybe” into a “yes.”
You have more control over how to improve hireability than you might think. Small but intentional strategies can completely change how employers perceive you and help you stand out, stay memorable, and make hiring managers want to say yes.
1 Search With Intention
Be deliberate in your job search. Instead of applying to every job posting you come across, set clear career goals and focus on roles that align with your skills and needs.
Research companies to better understand their values, culture, and expectations. Taking a targeted approach increases your chances of landing a job and building a fulfilling career.
2 Build a Succinct, Effective Base Resume
Start with a strong base resume that clearly outlines your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Keep it concise—ideally one to two pages—and format it to highlight your most relevant achievements.
Use clear headings, bullet points, and action verbs to make it easy for recruiters to scan your resume and understand your qualifications quickly.
3 Prove Your Impact
Employers want to see results. Wherever possible, showcase your accomplishments using quantifiable data. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your contributions and make your resume more compelling.
For example, instead of saying you “managed a team,” highlight that you “led a team of 10, increasing productivity by 25%.”
4 Tailor Your Base Resume to Every Job
A generic resume won’t get you far. Start with the base resume you’ve created, and then customize it for each job application by incorporating keywords from the job description.
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, and tailoring your content ensures you pass these filters. Adjust your skills, experience descriptions, and summary to align with the role you’re applying for, making it clear why you’re a great fit.
5 Give Your Cover Letter the Attention It Deserves
Your cover letter is an opportunity to make a strong impression and show off some personality.
Avoid using a generic cover letter template, and never use an unedited cover letter crafted by artificial intelligence (AI). Employers can recognize AI-generated cover letters, and according to Forbes magazine, 80% of hiring managers will toss out an AI-generated job application.
Instead, craft a cover letter that speaks directly to the company and role. Reference specific details from the job description and the company’s website, tying them back to your own experience and accomplishments. Show the employer why you’re the perfect match.
6 Build a Personal Brand
Having a strong personal brand can set you apart from other candidates. It represents who you are and your expertise in your field.
Consider a personal website or blog in addition to your social media accounts. At the very least, you should have an updated, professional, active LinkedIn account.
Put your hireability on display. Use your platform to share industry insights, engage in discussions, and position yourself as a thought leader in your field.
7 Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
About that LinkedIn profile—it’s often the first place recruiters look when considering you for a role and where hiring managers go to get an initial idea of who you are.
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete, with a professional photo, compelling headline, and detailed summary. Use keywords relevant to your industry to increase visibility in searches. Engage with posts, join industry groups, and seek recommendations to further establish your credibility.
8 Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Employers value candidates who stay informed about the latest trends and advancements in their field. It’s pretty simple: demonstrating knowledge of emerging trends during interviews will show initiative, which makes you a more attractive hire.
Subscribe to industry publications, follow thought leaders, and participate in relevant discussions.
9 Upskill as Much as Possible
Continuous learning is essential for career growth. Take online courses, attend workshops, and pursue certifications to strengthen your expertise. Many industries have specific certifications that can give you a competitive edge.
Whether you learn a new programming language, master a marketing tool, or obtain a leadership certification, upskilling demonstrates your commitment to professional development, which will help improve your hireability.
10 Grow Your Network
Networking is one of the most effective ways to land job opportunities. Building relationships with professionals in your field can open doors to job leads, mentorship, and valuable career advice.
Employers often prefer hiring through referrals. They trust their employees to recommend hireable candidates who will fit into the culture and stick around.
Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with colleagues on LinkedIn. Nurture your network, and stay in touch with previous supervisors, coworkers, and peers.
11 Tap Into Your Network for Referrals
Once you’ve built a strong network, use it. Since many job openings are filled through referrals rather than traditional applications, referred candidates have a major advantage.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to contacts in your industry and express your job search goals. A recommendation from someone within a company can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview and standing out in the hiring process.
12 Strengthen Your References
Your references can make or break your hireability. What will they say about you? Are they simply coworkers you’ve built friendships with, or are they supervisors who can confidently speak to your skills, work ethic, and contributions? Carefully select references who can provide meaningful insight into your professional strengths.
Maintain strong relationships with former supervisors, colleagues, or mentors who can vouch for your abilities. Before listing someone as a reference, ask for their permission and give them context about the role you’re applying for. A well-prepared reference can provide a relevant, compelling recommendation that reinforces your hireability.
13 Consider Freelance Projects
If you’re struggling to land a full-time role, taking on freelance or contract projects can be a great way to gain experience. Freelance and contract jobs allow you to expand your portfolio, develop new skills, and prove your ability to deliver results. Plus, many employers value self-starters who take the initiative to gain practical experience in their field.
At the very least, freelancing helps you build qualifications that align with job requirements—even those listed in the “nice-to-have” section of a job description. The more relevant skills and experience you bring to the table, the more hireable you become.
14 Master the Art of Interviewing
Even the most qualified candidates can miss out on opportunities if they don’t interview well.
Prepare thoroughly by researching common interview questions, practicing your responses, and refining your storytelling skills. Use the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method to structure your answers in a clear, impactful way.
Confidence and preparation go a long way in making a lasting impression on hiring managers.
15 Always Follow Up
The job search doesn’t end when you submit an application or complete an interview. Following up is key to demonstrating professionalism and enthusiasm.
Send a thank-you email after interviews, check in on the status of applications, and reconnect with networking contacts periodically. A thoughtful follow-up can keep you top of mind and reinforce your interest in a role.
5 Most Hireable Skills Employers Want
The job market is shifting fast, and employers are looking for professionals who bring both technical expertise and essential soft skills to the table. With businesses embracing new technologies and evolving workplace structures, the ability to adapt, create, and lead has never been more valuable.
Drawing on insights from the McKinsey Global Institute, the World Economic Forum, and Upwork, we’ve identified five of the most hireable skills that set professionals apart in today’s competitive workforce.
1 Technology Skills
Technology skills are in high demand, and that’s not changing anytime soon. AI, data analysis, and cybersecurity are now must-have skills as companies integrate digital solutions into their operations.
AI development—especially generative AI modeling and AI data annotation—is opening up new job opportunities across industries.
Companies also need data professionals who can extract, analyze, and visualize information to support business decisions.
Furthermore, cybersecurity remains a top priority as organizations work to safeguard their networks against evolving threats.
2 Creativity Skills
Creativity remains one of the most irreplaceable soft skills. Companies increasingly value employees who can think creatively when creating content, designing products, or solving problems.
Creativity is in high demand in all fields, from marketing and media to AI-driven fields. Businesses seek employees who can craft compelling narratives, develop innovative products, and find new ways to engage audiences.
With AI taking over routine tasks, the ability to think critically and push creative boundaries is more important than ever.
3 Adaptability Skills
The ability to navigate change is a significant career advantage. Industries are evolving rapidly, and employers want professionals who can adjust to new challenges, embrace emerging technologies, and stay ahead of industry shifts.
As automation reshapes jobs and companies prioritize candidates with a growth mindset, adaptability has become a core hiring factor. Some of the most hireable candidates are eager to learn, open to feedback, and proactive about expanding their skill sets.
The shift toward skills-based hiring outlined by Upwork reinforces this trend, making continuous learning a key asset for long-term career success.
4 Leadership Skills
Leadership skills aren’t only relevant for management roles. They have become absolutely essential skills across all levels of an organization. Companies need professionals who can influence, inspire, and drive results, whether they’re leading a team or simply taking ownership of their work.
Strong leadership involves decision-making, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence. It also means collaborating effectively, communicating ideas clearly, and motivating those around you.
5 Reskilling and Professional Development Skills
Continuous learning has become a nonnegotiable aspect of a successful career. Employers want to hire candidates who take the initiative to develop new skills and stay relevant in their industries.
Companies are investing in upskilling programs to keep their teams competitive, but professionals who proactively reskill themselves have a clear advantage.
Additionally, the ability to mentor, coach, and support others’ professional growth is also highly valued.
Whether you’re learning a new technical skill, earning a certification, or guiding a colleague through their development, investing in continuous learning makes you a more valuable asset in any workplace.
Why Hireability Matters More Than Ever
The job market is shifting fast. With economic ups and downs, rapid advancements in technology, and evolving hiring practices, standing out as a strong candidate has never been more important.
Employers want to hire professionals who can adapt, contribute, and grow with their teams—not just candidates who meet the minimum requirements. Being hireable means proving you’re ready to hit the ground running. It’s about showing that you can solve problems, collaborate, and keep learning as industries evolve.
The stronger your hireability, the more control you have over your career, whether you’re searching for your next role or making sure you’re ready for whatever comes next.
Show Off Your Hireability With Sonara
The job search process can be exhausting, but improving your hireability makes job searching easier and puts you in control. By staying proactive, refining your approach, and continuously developing your skills, you’re setting yourself up for better opportunities and long-term success.
And if you’re ready to streamline your job search, Sonara can help. We match you with top roles, automate the application process, and take the grunt work out of job hunting so you can focus on what really matters: landing the right job for you.
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