In 2010, the average unemployed American spent 41 minutes searching for work during the week, outperforming their European counterparts. Online job search in 2013 yielded only an 8% success rate, although only 29.9% of job openings were searched online.
Despite your decision to change careers, driven by an intimidating resume and impressive skill set, your next dream job begins with a search. To stand out in a competitive market and differentiate yourself, here are five ways to take a new job search that you probably haven’t tried and that your competitors probably haven’t used:
1. Follow your passion:
Organizations like to recruit people who have intimate connections and can passionately identify with their brands and services. This emotional bond with a brand can make you stand out in interviews. You can start by looking at the products and services in your home. Obviously, you love those products for spending so much on them every month. The culture behind the organizations that produce these products is likely to resonate with their values. Use this as an alternative job search strategy when connecting with people and their lifestyle.
2. Join a network of professionals:
Almost every industry has an association where you can network with professionals in the target industry. These associations provide industry and market tools such as newsletters, career fairs, trade shows, job boards, and business magazines as launch pads for potential careers. These partnerships enhance the exchange of talents and ideas for mutually beneficial networking. It is not limited to who you know, but also who knows you. ‘Give and take’ is a fundamental principle of all lasting relationships, networking and inclusive job hunting.
3. Recruit the recruiter:
Refuse to be completely relaxed during interviews. Be technically and intellectually offensive with insights, questions, and deep data about the company from your personal research, even if you went through multiple interview sessions only to be rejected at the last minute. Thank the panel for spending so much time and resources questioning you many times. Ask for comments and recommendations, be specific and deliberate in your strategy. Inquire about the availability of similar positions or vacancies while keeping an eye on how to build a relationship with some panel members by requesting their business cards.
4. Expect trade events:
Conferences, exhibitions, and career fairs provide ample opportunity for recruiters and potential employees to distill and make a memorable impression. You will convince potential employers of your passion for your company by attending industry events. You will enrich your knowledge about the culture, values and brands of the organization. When asked; How did you hear about us? Just say that you did your research on the company both online and offline. It means great intention and concentration.
5. Interact with social networks:
The job search and dream job become more and more social. For example, you can take advantage of the search tools available on most social media sites to search for former employees who used to work at your future company. On LinkedIn, you can type “Former Company Employees”, “Former Accountants of Company XYZ”. This will undoubtedly provide insights and new clues about past employees ‘career progression, company culture, employers’ job hiring preferences, and how you can take advantage of this to differentiate yourself.
Good luck in your job search!
