In today’s job market, it’s important to make sure that you stand out from the pack. The competition for most jobs is fierce, but there are a few items you can control to make sure that you’re the right candidate for any job.

Get Your Resume Right

It’s likely that your resume will be the first impression that you give to prospective employers. Tiny grammatical errors or misspellings could take you out of the running immediately. Make sure that you use a professional looking setup. If you need help with this, there are plenty of places to get advice online, and some programs such as Microsoft Word, have pre-made templates. Write an objective tailored to the position for which you are applying. In addition, make sure that you have complete contact information, at least three references listed, and a complete job history.

Research the Job

Almost every business in America has some sort of online presence these days. If you want to be a perfect candidate for a job, do some simple research. Find out exactly what the company does and, if possible, what exactly is entailed in the position for which you are applying. Sometimes you’ll be able to find a mission or vision statement. If you do, pay attention to it. Make sure you include location in your research so that you end up in the right place should you be granted an interview.

Dress and Act Professionally

Even when you go to retrieve the application in the first place, make sure that you are dressed in a manner fitting the work you’ll be doing. For example, if you’re applying for a secretarial position, dress a little bit more nicely than you would in the classroom by wearing a suit. If you’re looking for employment as a construction worker, you should still wear a suit. Of course employers are looking for someone who is actually qualified for the job, but oftentimes, they would rather have someone who acts professionally than a well-qualified candidate who is weak in this area. Some companies, like Molding Business Services, know that having strong attributes in many different areas is always advantageous when looking for a job. Think about professionalism in your social media presence as well. It’s pretty common for employers to take a look at Facebook and Instagram accounts before hiring begins. Make sure your pages show someone who will take the job seriously.

If you follow these tips for being a great job candidate for any position, you’ll be on your way to employment success.