Today more employers are looking for more in job applicants. Companies today have to do more with less and are essentially looking for applicants that stand out from the crowd and can clearly describe what benefits they can bring to an organization. According to the ARAcontent website, there is a gap between the skills hiring managers look for in a candidate and how job seekers describe present their skills, a challenge that has increased.

In a report by the annual Job Preparedness Indicator from CareerAdvisoryBoard.org, about 56 percent of job applicants feel that they know what qualifications are needed for employment. However, just 14 percent of hiring managers revealed that "most" or "nearly all" candidates in the past three years have had the type of skills that their company needs in a possible employee.

J.T. O'Donnell, career strategist and author of "CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career," believes that applicants need to learn the G.L.O.W. method in order to connect with hiring managers and stand out in a competitive job market.

The method is as follows:

G - Gain perspective: Take a step back and assess your situation. O'Donnell says that "No two people are alike. You have to figure out what's important to you in your life and career. So, evaluating your values, preferences and interests will provide you with a customized plan and increase your ability to achieve success."

L - Luminate your goal: If you want to "light up" your career goal, separate your ideal role into a list of "must haves," "nice to haves," and "don't wants." O'Donnell believes that having a clear image of yourself as a success will keep you motivated and moving forward even when things get tough.

O - Own your actions: Be ready and willing to put forth what it takes to make change happen. O'Donnell adds that "Some requirements will seem more daunting than others, like having to go back to school for the right education and career-oriented skills set." He believes that "there are excellent options like DeVry University, which provides flexible onsite and online scheduling so you can maintain current responsibilities while pursuing your dream career."

W - Work it daily: Keep your eye on the ball so that you'll take steps every day, no matter how small, to get closer to your goals. O'Donnell also recommends asking yourself every day, "Is what I'm doing right now helping me achieve my goals?"

Whether you are just beginning your career or you are a mid-career professional looking to change your line of work, using the G.L.O.W. method will help you achieve whatever career goals you may have.