How to get noticed in Charlotte's competitive job market

Charlotte is full of opportunity — if you know how to stand out.

• The growth and innovation that make this city a great place to build your career are also making the job market more competitive than ever.

Here's the deal: Landing the right role takes more than a strong resume.

But with high volumes of applicants, an ever-evolving landscape and the growing role of AI, what does it really take to set yourself apart?

The story: We asked Ashley T., Manager of Corporate Recruiting at Lowe's — one of Charlotte's largest employers and a Fortune 100 company — to share some insider advice for getting noticed and securing a role that leads to a meaningful career.

Here's what she had to say. 👇

💡 Getting your foot in the door isn't as impossible as it seems.

"You don't always need a connection — sometimes you just need an opportunity and the willingness to make the most of it."

Ashley points to their own experience: "I came in, put my best foot forward, raised my hand for projects, tried new things and looked for ways to grow."

In other words: "At a large company, your first role does not have to be your final destination. Sometimes the biggest thing is getting in, doing strong work and staying open to where that opportunity can lead."

💡 First impressions still matter.

"Preparation goes a long way. You don't need to have every answer perfectly scripted, but you should be able to talk clearly about why you're interested, what you've done and how that connects to the role."

Along with being prepared, Ashley says to stay genuine and engaged. "Confidence matters, but being authentic matters more."

💡 The questions you ask say a lot — use them to show your dedication and drive.

"I wish more people asked, 'What does success look like in this role in the first six to 12 months?'"

• Here's why: "That question tells me someone is already thinking beyond just getting the job. It shows they're thinking about how to add value, what will be expected of them, and what it'll really take to be successful."

💡 Quality over quantity applies to job applications, too.

Easy-apply features are certainly tempting — but they only get you so far. Ashley recommends focusing on clarity over volume.

"A more targeted job search is usually a lot more effective than applying to everything."

• How it's done: "Be clear on what kind of role you want, what strengths you bring and how you talk about your experience. When your resume, LinkedIn profile and interview answers all tell the same story, that makes a big difference."

💡 Soft skills can give you a real edge, especially in a relationship-oriented company.

"One thing I really appreciate about Lowe's is that we look beyond just what's on paper. Of course, experience matters, but so does how someone communicates, builds relationships, solves problems and shows up as a teammate."

• The reason: "Lowe's is a very people-driven business, so qualities like adaptability, accountability, collaboration and customer focus really matter."

💡 Career gaps or pivots aren't setbacks — they're part of the journey.

Taking a nonlinear career path is increasingly common. Whether you took time away from work, are going back to school, or want to change directions, Ashley's advice was clear and reassuring.

"Own your story. You don't need to apologize for taking a different path — you just need to explain it clearly and confidently.

The key is helping people understand your transferable skills, what you learned along the way and why you're ready for this next step."

💡 AI is changing the process, but not the fundamentals.

"AI is definitely changing talent acquisition, especially in how people prepare and how recruiters work more efficiently. It can be a really helpful tool for organizing your thoughts, improving your resume or practicing for interviews."

• Okay, but: "It should support your voice, not replace it. The strongest job seekers still sound like themselves. AI can help you get sharper and more confident, but authenticity is still what builds trust."

The takeaway: Standing out in today's job market takes clarity, curiosity and consistency at every step.

The candidates who succeed aren't just prepared — they're intentional about how they show up and how they grow once they're in.

Take your career to the next level and explore open opportunities at Lowe's.