9 Unusual Ways to Find a New Job

In our parents and grandparents' day, anyone could find a job straight out of high school and stay with the same company until retirement. The economy, changes in technology and demands for a different kind of work environment has created a very different job market. Newspaper want-ads are a thing of the past. Creative job seekers are using new methods to find employment.

1. Networking

The bulk of job vacancies can't be found on job boards because they are never advertised to the public. Over 80% of today's jobs aren't advertised and employers are choosing to fill them directly. To find these opportunities, you need to network with others. Even if you don't know someone who works for your targeted company, they may know someone who does. Linkedin and other networking sites allow professionals to connect with those in their industry or target a specific company.

2. Referrals

Referrals perfectly position you as a strong candidate in the eyes of hiring managers. If an employee of the company refers you, that person is saying that they put enough trust in you to stake their reputation on you.

3. Job Boards and Websites

Job boards are the modern want-ad. Companies across the world use job boards to reach potential candidates. Some of the most popular and visited job boards are Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com. But there are dozens of other job boards on the internet and some even specialize in recruiting for certain industries.

4. Job Fairs

Job fairs typically target specific industries and even specific colleges to recruit from the pool of soon-to-be and new graduates. Preparing before attending a job fair can streamline the process for you. Make sure to bring plenty of up-to-date resumes and your elevator pitch. Your elevator pitch is like an advertisement for who you are and why you should be hired. It should last no longer than 20-30 seconds.

5. Company Websites

If you have a dream employer in mind, check the employment section of their website. You may be able to add yourself to an email list for job announcements. Learning as much as you can about a company puts you at an advantage should you get the opportunity to apply.

6. Cold Calling Companies of Interest

If job leads in your area aren't listed on the company website, you might want to consider cold calling. You can look up a list of employees to contact them directly in order to find out about any vacancies. Instead of sending your resume unsolicited, include a link to your website or Linkedin profile with your signature so you look like you are begging for a job.

7. Headhunters and Recruitment Agencies

Headhunters and recruiters act as the middleman for companies who want to outsource the hassle of hiring and HR. Headhunters find individuals to fill a vacancy or assist job seekers in finding positions that they want. Recruiters can place you directly with a company for either a temporary or permanent assignment.

8. Temping or Internships

Temporary employment, which is usually arranged through a recruiter or agency, can become permanent if there is a need and if the employers is impressed with you. Internships can also turn into a full-time position. Internships are a perfect choice for recently graduated students since they often lack real-world experience and the necessary skills for entry-level employment.

9. Creative Ways to Get Seen by Recruiters and Hiring Managers Tactics

When the job market is highly competitive, some job seekers are drawing attention to themselves using creative methods to get their resume seen. Some paste their resume to themselves and walk around like a human billboard. Others use a chain letter with a copy of their resume attached in hopes of landing an interview.

Although some of these outlandish tactics may seem like a surefire attention getter, they can backfire. These methods may get you the wrong kind of attention. Recruiters and other hiring managers may see you as too desperate or immature to work with. These particular techniques may work better in industries where creativity is highly valued.

The Bottom Line

Finding the best opportunities in today's job market usually requires a combination of these methods. Using more avenues of reaching hiring managers and recruiters increases your chances of getting interviewed and hired.