As many put their job search off in December, January is a busy time as workers look for a fresh start. We have already seen a January surge in job applications reach 72% more applications compared to December, up 61% from December 2023 to January 2024. CV-Library’s in-house Recruitment Expert, Hannah Cornish, who works closely with candidates every day and shares her tips for standing out in a competitive job market…
New data from CV-Libraryย shows that applications jump by around 10% on Blue Monday, falling this year 19 January, making it one of the busiest days of the year for jobseekers.
Hannah Cornish, Recruitment Expert at CV-Library says, โJanuary is typically a peak time for hiring, and the job market is already tough for job seekers with many roles attracting hundreds of applications. So, standing out is critical. But cutting through in 2026 isnโt about sending more applications โ it’s about sending smarter, more targeted ones with a focus on how their skills deliver results.โ
Five ways candidates can stand out in a competitive job market:
1. Focus on outcomes, not responsibilities
Use active, measurable language to show the impact you made, not just what you were responsible for. Avoid vague and generic phrases like โimprovedโ, โledโ and โmanagedโ, and instead include numbers, results, and context โ what changed because of your work, and how you made it happen.
2. Be selective, not reactive
The UK job market has become two-speed. Some sectors are still hiring and investing, while others are slowing. Rather than applying en-masse, focus your efforts on industries with momentum and tailor each application to show you understand where demand is โ and how your skills fit that sectorโs needs.
3. Lead with skills and behaviour will help you stand out in a competitive job market
As skills-first hiring accelerates, employers are looking beyond job titles and qualifications. Jobseekers should lead with capabilities โ technical skills, transferrable strengths, and behavioural traits like problem-solving and adaptability.
4. Upload your CV to jobsites like CV-Library
Recruiters and employers often search CV databases to proactively identify candidates, so make sure your CV, professional details or portfolio are regularly updated. A strong, up-to-date profile – with an optimised headline, summary and experience that highlight your achievements, skills, qualifications, and personality will help increase your visibility and make a stronger first impression.
5. Optimise for AI without sounding like AI
With AI now built into some hiring processes (and growing), your CV needs to be easy for technology to read. Use clear formatting, standard job titles and skills-led language that aligns with job descriptions. Avoid overly polished, generic, or obviously AI-generated phrasing easily spotted by recruiters.
Methodology
CV-Library analysed internal job application dataย toย identify seasonal jobseeker behaviour. This included comparing total application volumes in January with the preceding December across two consecutive years.
About CV-Library
CV-Library is the UKโs largest independent job site, matching candidates with jobs from the UKโs largest employers. It attracts over 4.3 million unique job seekers every month with a database of more than 21 million CVs.
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