4 Unconventional Ways To Get A Job
Tired of applying to job after job through job boards and online applications? Here are four unconventional ways to get a job that don’t require marathon application sessions sitting in front of your computer for hours on end.
1. Stop Applying To Jobs and Start Applying To People
I’ve gotten my last 3 jobs from my network of people, not by going on job boards and submitting my resume amongst thousands of other applicants. Networking and informational interviews are great ways to access the hidden job market.
The hidden job market consists of job opportunities that are in creative development, currently in the process of getting posted or are not technically open but due to insider knowledge of people moving around or people who will be leaving roles, will be open soon.
However and whenever these positions open up, it pays to know people who can get your resume seen by hiring managers before jobs even go public. For many employers, the last step in the advertising process is posting the position online. So by the time you see it on a job board, it may already have hundreds of pre-posting applicants, never mind the amount of folks who will apply when it’s posted.
So stop applying to jobs and invest time and energy into the people in your network that can hire you or connect you to someone who can hire you. New to networking? Check out our Creative Conversation Starters For Authentic Networking article to help get you started.
2. Build Your Professional Brand
Education and experience are most commonly needed for professional career positions but as competition grows, everyone you are competing against in the applicant pool likely has good enough education and experience to at least get an interview too. So how do you stand out?
Enter your professional brand!
People want to hire people, not just resumes. Resumes are a great way to get you a foot in the door to an interview, which is your opportunity to connect with the hiring team human to human. Hiring managers want to understand what you’re about, how you work, how you fit culturally with the current team etc.
Having a strong professional brand is key to communicating your value to future employers.
You can brand or rebrand your professional identity through volunteer work, LinkedIn posts, conference presentations, networking and any other way that puts you in a position to show those around you how capable you are. A bad professional brand/representation can definitely hurt you in the job search so consider how you can leverage a good brand!
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3. Tell More People You’re Seeking
Many of the job seekers I work with are ashamed, embarrassed or just uncomfortable telling people they are seeking a new job. As a career coach, folks come to me and ask if I know any companies or organizations hiring. Of course I do, but if I don’t know what type of work you are looking for or what type of employer most aligns with your values, how can I make good recommendations to you?
So tell more people you are seeking! What you are looking for, what elements of the search are you flexible in, what areas are deal breakers etc. Tell people what you are looking for and what help would be of most value to you and for the most part, if they are in a position to help you, they likely will.
4. Create Your Own Opportunities
Sometimes you have to look at what you have right in front of you. For example, I really wanted to hire a website designer to create the blog you’re reading right now. I honestly was so overwhelmed at different options, pricing, expertise etc. I ended up purchasing a template through Squarespace, did a lot of Googling and Youtubing and lots of trial and error and created my own site.
I now have other coaches, entrepreneurs and bloggers asking my advice around website creation. I’ve even made some money consulting on website designs and best practices. I didn’t really set out to add website creation to my coaching services but it originated organically through a skillset I developed out of need.
Creating your own opportunities through gig work, freelancing, temp work or starting your own business using the skills you already possess is a great way to make money, build a professional network of clients, a trustworthy brand and a way to get connected to more permanent and/or full-time opportunities.
All work is good work if it helps you find better work. Never dismiss an opportunity because it doesn’t pay a ton or isn’t with a Fortune 500 company. Start somewhere and just keep leveling up until you find a role that works for you!
Lastly…
Job searching can be a long, emotional rollercoaster so don’t be too hard on yourself. Stay positive, take breaks when you need it and focus on the things within your control. Need more help? Check out our online job search course to jumpstart your job search today.
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
