3 Uncommon Ways to Get a Job!

Jan 5, 2017
4 min read

The job hunting mission is a tedious one right? We all know the saying, 'there are multiple ways to skin a cat', so why do you only settle for searching for a job vacancy online through job search engines?

Research shows that "job seekers, use approx 57.22% of their time, searching for jobs online or applying for jobs". Surely that's not the only way to find a job in this era!?

Let's examine other ways we can skin this cat...

Here's 3 uncommon ways to find a job. Yes, we all know the typical and common routes of seeking employment, like; job search engines, classifieds ads, checking the company's website or visiting a job agency.

If you're looking for a job, you should be doing these 3 things, the other 42.78% of the time. These can generate great leads now, and for future job opportunities. So keep an open mind when it comes to job search; we live in a new age.

Volunteering - organizations are connected and have partnerships; they can refer and recommend you for a position
Networking - have an elevator pitch ready (to explain why you're looking for a new role) [without sounding like a sales person], a card and approachable appearance
Joining LinkedIn groups - some companies now only hire from within their LinkedIn groups, choosing candidates who are engaged in discussions and show their knowledge and expertise

1. Through volunteering, this is a great avenue to stay connected with the community and industry partners. Stay active within the organization and share your goals, aspirations and interests with those around you. Not-for-Profit organizations are highly integrated in the community and specific industries.

Have a conversation with the Board, President etc, whom ever you perceive to have a strong and diverse network of people in their circle, let them in on your attempts at securing a job. These organizations talk to each other, so they can be a great catalyst in securing your next job.

Sharing is caring... right!?

That's what not-for-profit organizations are about as well, so share your missions and goals; you never know which doors they can open for you << Food for thought.

Imagine how awesome it would be, if an organization receives your resume as a recommendation or referral from one of their external partners! Hello!? That alone sets you apart! It shows you're connected and active within your community. It also shows that you add value by building networks. Hint, hint.

2. Networking! This is a scary word these days I've realized. Once you hear the word 'networking' we instantly picture the image of a pushy sales person who is uncomfortably in our personal bubble... am I right?

That's NOT what networking is about or how it's suppose to be done, watch this video of my review of a networking event I attended, there's both good and bad experiences of course! But I always classify the 'bad' as great entertaining experiences, get a laugh out of it! Why not!?

Honestly, networking is about strategy, yes... being strategic, prepared and purposeful in your intent. Aimlessly attending a networking event will only result in disappointment, frustrations and 'entertaining experiences' << from my definition above. Time is precious, don't waste yours.

Answer these questions before attending another networking event:

a) Why am I attending this event? b) Who do I want to meet?

c) Which companies will be represented at this event?

d) What is my elevator pitch for introducing myself?

This e-book goes into depth on the specific information you can research to prepare yourself before you start networking, including how to create your personalized elevator pitch, for when you make those introductions, this is KEY!

"How you introduce yourself, sets the tone for the rest of the conversation."

3. Joining LinkedIn groups... it's not the same as joining Facebook groups. Remember the purpose of LinkedIn, to create a professional presence and network; so the groups you choose to join should be for a specific reason and have a strategy behind it. Here's some strategic approaches for using LinkedIn to get a job.

Aside from the obvious... applying for jobs posted on LinkedIn, how can you use this platform to stand out and really showcase your knowledge, expertise and value? I'm glad you asked! When you join groups on LinkedIn, make sure that the group encourages and solicits members input and activity.

To stand out in these groups, This is what you NEED to do:

Make educated and intelligent comments on posts or status updates that the group publish
Respond to polls or contests that they advertise
Post and share your own knowledge and thought provoking questions
Suggest a different perspective in discussion forums

The whole point of this is for you to make an impression on the recruiters. Being active in the groups will give the recruiters an arms length look into who you are, your personality, and most importantly your expertise and knowledge in the particular field.

By being consistent with your interactions, you'll stand out from among the competition by showing your value and your knowledge.

If you're already apart of groups on LinkedIn, have a look to see how you can engage with the group to make your light shine brighter than the other members of the group.

If you haven't joined any group as yet, really think about the companies you would love to be a apart of and follow the above points to showcase your expertise and knowledge.