Interesting Strategies for Job Searching
The days of filling out applications by the stack and sitting by the phone hoping for a call back are over. This method of job searching is not only outdated, it is extremely exhausting. Not to mention it can be utterly pointless and disappointing to play the waiting game with potential employers.
In the modern world, the most aggressive (in an appropriate fashion) job seekers land the jobs. Unless you are a real go-getter, there is a good chance you will be searching for awhile. Okay, good, now you know you need to try a different approach to job searching. The question is, what newmethodwould work?
Social networking
Many people use a social website of type or another for keeping up with long distance friends and family members. They post pictures and exchange recipes and even play games together. This is a wonderful thing, some people are away from home due to their jobs and these social sites are one nice way to stay in contact.
Why not use that same social site to search for jobs? Create a post about what job related skills you have and what type of employment you are actively looking for. Word can get around fast if you have a good network of friends and family willing to share your post.
Shadowing
Go into a business that you are interested in gaining employment with and ask if you can hang out. Yes, hang out. Ask questions about how things are done, about the different departments in the company. Be sure to explain that you are interested in learning more about that particular company.
You will want to dress somewhat professional, but also casual. You are not actually working for them yet. Many small businesses appreciate when people take an interest in their company and want to learn more about it. You might be surprised how shadowing like this can get you a position with the company.
Word of mouth
Good old fashioned conversation can go a long way towards a job. For example you and a friend go to your regular coffeehouse for a job search coffee break. You get your beverages and sit down. When things slow down a bit, you can strike up a conversation with the manager or one of the baristas. You can mention, casually, that you are currently looking for a job. The conversation can take off from there. Before you know it, the barista mentions you and your job search to people they know and so on.
The trick is to be honest and not push yourself on other people. Your goal is to simply get the word out that you are looking for gainful employment.
Traditional job hunting strategies still work, but can take forever. Now is when you need the job, so now is when you need to take action. Actually get involved in your job search, talk to people in the field you are interested in and maybe ask to shadow them for a few days. Ask about working on a volunteer basis for a couple of weeks. Utilize your social media accounts for more than sharing vacation pictures and playing games.
Job searching is not a fun task no matter how you slice it, but it can be more interesting. All you have to do is get creative in your search methods. Who knows when your next coffee shop stop could lead to a fabulous new job!
