Make Employers Want You: Beyond Basic Career Advice
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Becoming desirable to employers is not about chasing job postings or tweaking a résumé endlessly. It is about positioning yourself as a solution to problems organizations already have—and doing it in a way that is visible, credible, and easy to understand. After decades in recruiting and career coaching, I can tell you that most job hunters focus on the wrong things. They polish documents when they should be shaping perception.
Here are practical, less-obvious ways to make yourself someone employers actively want.
-
Think in terms of business problems, not job titles
Employers do not hire “Marketing Managers” or “Project Leads.” They hire people who can increase revenue, reduce costs, improve systems, or fix something broken. Study the business model of your target companies and align your experience with their likely pain points. -
Build a “proof portfolio,” not just a résumé
A résumé makes claims. A proof portfolio demonstrates them. Include short case studies, before-and-after metrics, presentations, or screenshots of your work. Even in non-creative roles, you can show process improvements, cost savings, or team outcomes.
Example: Instead of saying “Improved customer satisfaction,” show a one-page summary of what you did, the steps you took, and the measurable result.
-
Become findable before you become available
The best candidates are often discovered, not applied. Optimize your LinkedIn profile and other platforms for search by including keywords recruiters
actually use. But go beyond that—publish insights, comment intelligently, and demonstrate your thinking. Visibility builds credibility over time. -
Speak the language of money
Most professionals talk about tasks. Employers care about impact. Translate everything you’ve done into financial or operational terms—revenue generated, costs reduced, time saved, risks avoided. If you cannot quantify exactly, estimate conservatively and explain your reasoning. -
Develop a point of view
Employers are drawn to people who think, not just execute. Share your perspective on trends in your field, challenges in your industry, or better ways to do things. This signals seniority and confidence—even if you are not in a senior role. -
Network with a purpose beyond “looking”
Most networking is ineffective because it is transactional. Instead, build relationships around shared interests, industry discussions, or mutual connections. Offer insight, introductions, or resources. When people see you as valuable, they will think of you when opportunities arise. -
Target companies, not just roles
Create a focused list of organizations where your skills solve real problems. Study them. Follow their leadership. Understand their challenges. Then tailor your outreach and positioning accordingly. Generic applications are easy to ignore; targeted communication is not. -
Control your narrative
If you do not define your story, others will. Be ready to clearly explain who you are professionally, what you do best, and where you create the most value. This is not a “pitch” but a consistent narrative that appears in your résumé, LinkedIn, and conversations. -
Show adaptability with evidence
Everyone claims to be adaptable. Few prove it. Highlight moments where you learned something quickly, shifted roles, handled ambiguity, or succeeded in a changing environment. Employers value resilience, especially in uncertain markets. -
Use “back-channel” intelligence
Before interviews, gather insight about the company, team, and interviewer. Use your network to learn what is really going on internally. This allows you to tailor your answers and ask sharper questions. It also demonstrates preparation and seriousness. -
Make it easy to say “yes”
Hiring is a risk decision. Reduce perceived risk by being clear, consistent, and professional in every interaction. Respond promptly, follow instructions, and communicate clearly. Small details influence hiring decisions more than most candidates realize. -
Continue building while searching
Do not pause your professional growth during a job search. Take a course, complete a project, volunteer your skills, or create content. Momentum signals value. Stagnation raises questions. -
Prepare stories, not answers
Interviewers remember stories, not bullet points. Use concise narratives that describe the situation, your actions, and the outcome. Focus on decisions you made and why. This reveals how you think, not just what you did. -
Be selective and intentional
Desirability increases when you are not chasing everything. Focus on roles and companies where you truly fit and can contribute. This allows you to present yourself with clarity and confidence rather than desperation.
Ultimately, becoming desirable is about alignment and visibility. You must align your skills with real business needs and make that alignment visible to the right people. When you do this effectively, the job search shifts from chasing opportunities to attracting them.
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2026
What Companies Look for When Choosing a Board Member
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because he makes job search
and succeeding in your career easier.
38 Deadly Interview Mistakes to Avoid
You will find great info and job search coaching to help with your job search at JobSearch.Community
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter
Schedule a discovery call to speak with me about one-on-one or group coaching during your job search at www.TheBigGameHunter.us.
The Interview Mistake Too Many Executives Make (And How To Correct It)
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 3000 episodes over 13+ years.
We grant permission for this post and others to be used on your website as long as a backlink is included to www.TheBigGameHunter.us and notice is provided that it is provided by Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter as an author or creator. Not acknowledging his work or providing a backlink to www.TheBigGameHunter.us makes you subject to a $1000 penalty which you proactively agree to pay. Please contact us to negotiate the use of our content as training data.
