When it comes to getting hired, one thing that any recruiter or interviewer can admire is a change from the norm. This metaphorical potential hire isn’t exactly the most qualified, nor is he or she the ‘perfect fit’ for the job. What they are is different. Different in that they let their passion shine through and use it to compliment their skills, experience, and knowledge.

Often times, in the formal setting of a job interview, many are cordial, polite, and take extra care to their manner and speech. It would seem that more often than not, people forget that the people interviewing them are people too, who have very real human sensibilities. To fail to play upon these in an interview is selling yourself short.

When you allow yourself to become comfortable in an interview setting and approach the interviewer the same way you approach anyone else, you’re showing them the real you, and if you are really passionate about getting this job, that is what they would rather see.

Attention to your presentability is obviously important, but many look at things like resumes or cover letters as secondary. These two deserve the utmost attention. They need to be pleasing to look at and contain ALL relevant information regarding the experience you’ve gained that can relate to the position you’re applying for.

If you can, make your resume stand out by straying from the standard format, adding in any flavor text you think this employer might be interested in. Resume’s should be hand tailored to every position. The same goes for cover letters, another overlooked piece of getting hired.

Many people just copy paste the same basic cover letter and edit little details depending on the job. This is fine and dandy and can work, but if you really want this job, a good, professionally written cover letter that tells a story about you, exemplifies how you can help the company, and displays your passion sets you far above the curve in a recruiter’s eye.

If you want a job you are not qualified for, seek opportunities to gain the relevant skills ANYWHERE.

If you need to start your own project, do it.

If you need to ask to volunteer at a friend’s business, do it.

You should be able to back up any skill of yours with credible projects that you have created because it shows you not only learned the material but applied it. Employers love to see personal projects because more than anything they show passion, and every good employer knows that a passionate employee is a good investment. Getting hired isn’t a science, and it isn’t always guaranteed either.

You could do everything right, and still fail to get the job. This is what most people fear the most. Do not lose motivation, because every rejection provides another chance to start fresh and improve upon something you did the last time.

The goal is to research as much as possible. Research the company, their way of doing things, their PR, everything. Find your perfect fit, and once you’ve found it, keep seeking them. Approach every one of these job applications with 100% effort. Sure enough, you’ll end up in a job you’re happy in, and your employer will be glad to have found you.