We live in a competitive world. We compete in school, in the workplace, and even in our personal lives. According to the Pew Research Center, millennials are on track to be the nation’s most educated generation. This means the pool of competition is only getting larger.

So how does one stand out in a competitive society? In a society where a bachelor’s degree is almost as common as a high school degree, it is getting harder and harder to differentiate from “everyone else.”

Here are some simple things I’ve done that have helped me stand out in my career.

Find a Mentor

I know everyone says this, but it is so important. Mentors can connect you with others who have hiring power (so you’re not relying only on your resume). Additionally, many have experienced what you are going through. Mentors provide words of wisdom to help you avoid mistakes and stay ahead. There’s a famous quote that says, “Smart people learn from their mistakes, but geniuses learn from the mistakes of others.”

Perfect your Craft

What are your strengths? Figure those out and continue to get better. Your strengths are the “secret sauce” that get you noticed. When competing for

positions, promotions, or power, the best talent gets the gold. Don’t rely solely on your connections; make sure you bring something of value to the table.

Be Authentic

One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received is “Be yourself.” This may not have made the list before I started working in corporate America, but experiences have shown me that authenticity needs a spot. There are many people trying to be someone other than themselves. Imagine you are a manager. What if you hired someone based on who they were in the interview, then they were different after they get the job? Not a good surprise.
Who knew that you could stand out just by being your authentic self? Being authentic means a person’s behaviors and values are consistent. They don’t change based on who is in the room. Do yourself and others a favor and be your authentic self.