First impressions matter
How to get your application noticed
Candidate Tips & Resources
Small changes that can make a big difference.
Applying for a new role can feel overwhelming—especially in a competitive job market. For many roles, your application is the first impression you make. A clear, thoughtful application helps you stand out and puts your experience into the best possible light.
Below is practical, actionable guidance from BD designed to help every candidate highlight their strengths and differentiate their application with clarity and confidence.
Lead with impact (not just responsibilities)
Your resume should quickly answer one question: What changed because you were there?
What works:
- Focus on impacts: improvements, efficiencies, quality, growth, safety, customer impact, or team results.
- Use numbers when you can (scale, scope, % improvement), while keeping descriptions accurate and easy to understand.
- Keep it easy to scan: clean formatting, short bullets, strong action verbs.
Tip: AI can help you tighten language or turn long descriptions into clear, impact focused bullets. Be sure to review and personalize any AI-generated content to ensure it is accurate, reflects your own experience, and aligns with application rules. Read more on our blog about using AI responsibly in your job search.
Tailor thoughtfully to the role
You don’t need a brand new resume for every job—but small adjustments go a long way.
What helps:
- Reorder bullets to put the most relevant experience first.
- Emphasize projects, skills, or tools that clearly connect to the role.
- Use language that aligns with the role and reflects your experience naturally.
The goal isn’t to change who you are - it’s to make it easier for hiring teams to quickly see the fit between your experience and the role.
Strengthen your application details
Your resume and application should tell one consistent story.
Make sure to:
- Include your most recent and relevant experience.
- Highlight skills, certifications, leadership, and cross functional work.
- Share work samples or portfolios when appropriate and allowed.
Most important: Be honest. Everything you submit should be something you can confidently speak to in interviews and on the job. Misrepresentations may disqualify candidates from consideration.
Position yourself in a competitive candidate pool
Standing out isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being clear.
What tends to help applications stand out:
- Candidates who connect their experience directly to the role.
- Clear examples of learning, growth, and results.
- Applications that feel intentional, not rushed.
In a competitive market, clarity, relevance and authenticity help hiring teams understand your strengths.
Ready to Apply?
Explore open opportunities across BD and find roles that align with your skills and interests. When you’re ready, apply with confidence - knowing your application reflects the real you.
For details on our hiring process, application support, and what to expect next, visit our Career Site FAQ.
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