Ok, you have posted to every internet job board and every job on Monster, CareerBuilder, and HotJobs. You’ve followed up with calls and networked until you are blue in the face. Each Sunday you take the newspaper and apply for every job in your field with little to no results. Well try some unique ways to find a job.
Send Half of Your Resume
Find a company you want to work for. Write a great cover letter explaining why you are a good fit and refer to the enclosed resume. However, don’t seal the envelope and don’t actually enclose the resume. They may assume the resume fell out in the mail. This can prompt them to call and engage in a conversation. Sell yourself shamelessly.
Write a Prospecting Letter
Make use of the power of direct mail. Locate 5-10 companies you would like to work for. Write a letter to your contact network and ask whether they know anyone who works at any of the companies on your list. When a contact says they know someone, send them your resume and ask them to forward it to their contact, or ask permission to send it yourself.
E-Mail Chain Letter
Create a list of 20 companies you want to work for and send an email to everyone you know to see if they know anyone who works at these companies. Ask them to contact you if they do so you can request a referral. Finally, ask them to forward your email to 10 more people. However, don’t do this if you’re currently employed!
Distribute A Booklet
Write a booklet containing information relevant to your industry and give it away. Everyone loves free information, and this demonstrates your expertise. Give the booklet away electronically and advertise it to newsgroups where hiring managers may see it.
Call Human Resources
Sounds crazy, right? Call the human resources department and ask which outside agency or third-party recruiting firm they use. They may ask why you want to know. Tell them that their company is not currently looking for someone with your skill set, but the agency may be dealing with other firms, so you are looking for a recommendation. They may very well ask you for an interview. If not, at least you have a new lead. They would love to save agency fees, and being recommended can give you special attention. Send them a thank-you note afterward.
These are guerrilla tactics that can give you better results. Stay tuned for another 5 creative tips.
