When job hunting, what did you do to set yourself apart from the rest?

I created my blog, http://golivelively.com/about , to create a hub for my projects and show my passion for skills I'd want to be hired for. I also take part in projects that improve my skills. Right now I do web work for my college SVA chapter and work with a fitness organization.

In my profession, (software development), the number one, most important-by-far step in the job-seeking process is the technical interview. The interviewers pose problems and you walk them through a solution (frequently by writing code on a whiteboard). They sharp-shoot your solutions and answers. They seek to get you talking about some of the bullet-points on your resume. You REALLY want to do well on that technical interview. If, on a scale of 1 (easy) to 10 (hard), you are expecting an interview difficulty of 5, you want to be ready to knock out a 27. This doesn't just affect whether you get the job, but also how much they're gonna pay you. Once you get an interview, go in there ready to surpass expectations. Many servicemembers have experience with competitive or promotion boards and with public speaking and small group instruction. Capitalize on that by coming across as more confident than your civilian competitors, more clear, and more articulate. But more than anything, show that you absolutely 100% know-what-you're-talking about: technical competence in the domain of the job you are applying for. Be an EXPERT.

A great targeted and polished resume makes a huge impact. The second major impact is when you get the chance for the interview, either in person or on the phone. Always look professional but not too over dressed, fresh hair cut, pressed pants and shirt with a nice subtle tie and possible sports jacket...depending on who your interview is with. On the phone, speak with confidence and sell the heck out of yourself and your abilities that you will excel in the position you are applying for. Finally, had many questions written down to ask the people who are interviewing you. First it shows you have great interest in the position and also you have the ability to ask intelligent questions. I have interviewed for 3 jobs after I retired from the Air Force and got every single one. I have also interviewed potential candidates for my position that they were going to replace when I was moving on. Hope that helps, good luck with your transition!!