How to Stand Out for an Agency-Advertised Role

You’ve found a job advert that feels like a great match, submitted your application through the portal, and… nothing. It can often feel like your CV has vanished into the ether. So, how do you make sure your application stands out, gets noticed by the recruiter, and, ultimately, the hiring manager?

 

1. Perfect Your CV – Your First Impression

Your CV is your ticket to the next stage, so it needs to work hard for you.

• Keep it lean: Stick to 2–3 pages max. Recruiters glance quickly; hiring managers want relevance, not a novel.
• Tailor it: Mirror the job description—highlight your relevant achievements, not just duties.
• Make it skimmable: Bullet points, clean formatting, and white space are your friends.
• Focus on results: “Decreased costs by 35%” hits harder than “managed efficiency savings.”

 

2. Use a Cover Letter to Add Personality (Especially for Permanent Roles)

This is your chance to add context and personality to your application.

• Be enthusiastic: Show that you’re genuinely excited about this role.
• Make it relevant: Draw clear connections between your experience and what they’re looking for.
• Add a personal touch: Share something unique about your background or career path.
• Interim tip: For short-term contracts, a short note outlining your availability and core strengths can go a long way.

 

3. Pick Up the Phone – Seriously

Calling the agency might feel old school, but it works.

• It shows initiative: You’ll stand out just by making the effort.
• You might learn something: Recruiters often share insights they haven’t put in the ad.
• It puts your name at the top: A conversation can fast-track your application from inbox to interview shortlist.

 

4. Get in Before the Crowd

Want the inside track? Get ahead of the adverts.

• Register with agencies: Once you’re in their network, you’re more likely to be contacted directly for roles.
• Why it matters: Many roles are filled from an agency’s existing talent pool before they hit job boards.
• The numbers back it up: At Ambient People, less than 10% of placements came from responses to ads—most were through pre-existing networks.

 

Final Thoughts

The key to standing out for an agency-advertised role isn’t just about having a polished CV or strong cover letter—it’s about being proactive. Get on the agency’s radar early. Make a call. And most importantly, make it easy for the recruiter to picture you in the role before anyone else even applies.