5 Effective Job-Search Strategies You May Not Have Considered

On weekdays, the average unemployed American spends 41 minutes looking for work, outpacing their European counterparts. In 2013, online job searches yielded only 8% success rate, despite the fact that only 29.9% of job vacancies were searched online.

Your next dream job begins with a search, regardless of your decision to change careers, bolstered by an intimidating resume and an impressive set of skills. To differentiate and stand out in a competitive market, here are five new job-search strategies you’ve probably never tried and are likely underutilized by your competitors:

1. Pursue Your Passion:

Organizations prefer to hire people who have personal connections to their brands and services and can passionately identify with them. This emotional attachment to a brand can help you stand out in interviews. You can begin by examining the products and services in your home. You must adore those products if you spend so much money on them every month. The culture of the companies that make these products is likely to align with your values. Connect with the people and their lifestyle to use this as an alternative job search strategy.

2. Join a Professional Network:

Almost every industry has a professional association where you can network with other professionals in your field. As launching pads for potential careers, these associations provide industry and marketplace tools such as bulletins, career fairs, tradeshows, job boards, and business journals. These organizations foster the exchange of networking skills and ideas in mutually beneficial ways. It is not only about who you know, but also about who knows you. ‘Give and take’ is a fundamental principle of all long-term relationships, including networking and job search.

3. Find The Recruiter:

Refuse to be completely relaxed during interviews. Even if you went through multiple interview sessions only to be turned down at the last minute, be technically and intellectually offensive with rippling insight, questions, and profound data about the company gleaned from your personal research. Thank the panel for devoting so much time and effort to questioning you so many times. Request feedback and suggestions, and be specific and deliberate in your strategy. Inquire about the availability of similar positions or openings while keeping in mind how to cultivate a relationship with some members of the panel by requesting their business cards.

4. Attend Business Events:

Conferences, exhibitions, and career fairs provide plenty of opportunities for recruiters and potential employees to distill and leave a lasting impression. Attending industry events will help you persuade potential employers of your enthusiasm for their company. You will gain a better understanding of the organization’s culture, values, and brands. When asked, “How did you find out about us?” Simply state that you conducted both online and offline research on the company. It denotes intense concentration and intent.

5. Utilize Social Media:

The job search and the pursuit of one’s dream job are becoming increasingly social. For example, you can use the search tools available on most social media sites to look up previous employees who worked for your prospective employer. You can search LinkedIn for “Former employees of so, so company” or “Past accountants of XYZ company.” This will undoubtedly provide insights and new leads about past employees’ career progression, the company’s culture, employer job recruitment preferences, and how you can leverage this to differentiate yourself.

Best wishes for your job search!