Today's business climate is more competitive than ever, and there are more people than ever out there jostling each other for the best job in town.

How can you set yourself apart from the rest of the job-hunting herd and be noticed by potential employers? Many organizations want people who know what they want and how to get it. They are seeking people who want to win and will work out a way of getting there.

Put on your sales cap

The most effective marketer knows how to position the product and tout all the benefits that are relevant to the needs of a buyer. Similarly, to close a sale and wow the employer, you need to expound on the benefits of the product - your strengths, work experience, industry knowledge, contacts, skills, abilities and successes - and quote examples that matter most to the company's objectives or vision. Relevancy is the key word even if you are seeking to work in a new industry.

Be a networking guru

Attend various business and social networking events to increase your profile and contribute actively to these platforms by sharing your success stories, interesting case studies or market insights that you have gathered from the course of your work.

Be aware of both market and industry trends so that you can build your strengths in the hot areas of specialization, or discuss issues intelligently with potential employers or other contacts you have made at the networking events.

Know the company inside out

Demonstrate your commitment and sincerity by asking concise and focused questions about the company. The employer will see you as someone who is keen, proactive and really serious about the job as well as the organization.

Moving forward

Many people tend to focus too much on presenting their past job responsibilities instead of showcasing their prior achievements and accomplishments to prospective employers. One of the secrets to marketing yourself is to use your previous work experience and successes to convince the potential employers that you possess the knowledge, expertise and skills that their company and industry need to help move them forward.

Work with a reputable headhunter

Professional recruitment consultants from reputable search firms can help highlight your most compelling transferable skills and build a strong case for you to hirers. A good recruitment consultancy can open up new career opportunities in the fields you desire and provide a multitude of potential jobs from the high profile organizations or new industries that they represent.

Contributed by Sarah Li, manager of supply chain & sourcing division at Robert Walters Talent Consulting Ltd China.