Unconventional Job Search Strategies

To stand out in a competitive job market, use unconventional job search strategies in addition to traditional methods. Here are some strategies that can help you get started:

– Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are interviews for the sole purpose of networking and gaining useful information. You would target a decision maker in the organization and request a brief interview just to learn more about the company, positions available, and to get useful advice. These can take place via the phone, but it is preferable if they occur in person. Request to speak with them for about 15 minutes and bring along a list of questions and your resume. Leave your resume and business card with them and let them know that they should contact you if they are aware of any job openings.

– Social Media Posts
Social media offers a number of job search opportunities. A lot of companies will post their job listings on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Start following organizations that are of interest to you and then search on a regular basis for job listings. When you apply for these jobs, just be sure that your social media accounts are presentable to employers.

– Freelance Work
Freelancers sometimes have the opportunity to join the company as a regular employee. For example, certain positions like copywriters and graphic designers are offered on a freelance basis, but if they like your work they may consider hiring you if you do a good job.

– Internships
Internships are another way to get your foot in the door. They are usually offered only to students in college or high school, but some companies are open to internships with other types of people as well. You can contact a company even if they do not offer an internship program and ask if you can do an unpaid internship just to gain experience. They may decide to hire you and you will have a lot of valuable experience at the end of the program.

Try a number of these job search strategies in addition to other strategies that you use already to get the best results.