If you’ve posted to every online job board, followed up with countless calls, networked until you’re exhausted, and still haven’t landed your dream role, it might be time to think outside the box. These unconventional strategies can help you stand out from the competition and spark conversations that lead to opportunities.
1. Send Half of Your Resume
Choose a company you’d love to work for and write a compelling cover letter explaining why you’re a perfect fit, referencing the enclosed resume. Then here’s the twist don’t actually enclose your resume. Leave the envelope unsealed. When the company receives it, they’ll likely assume the resume slipped out in the mail and call you to request it. That’s your chance to engage them in a real conversation and sell yourself confidently.
2. Write a Prospecting Letter
Harness the power of your professional network. Identify five to ten target companies, then write to your contacts asking if they know anyone at those organizations. If a contact does, send them your resume and ask them to forward it or request permission to send it directly yourself. This personal connection can get your application in front of the right decision-maker.
3. Use an Email Chain Letter (With Caution)
Create a list of 20 companies you’d like to work for and email it to everyone you know, asking if they have connections there. Request that they pass your message along to others in their network. This can quickly expand your reach but avoid this tactic if you’re currently employed, as it could tip off your current workplace.
4. Distribute a Free Industry Booklet
Showcase your expertise by creating a short, informative booklet related to your industry. Distribute it for free preferably online and promote it in relevant forums or professional groups. Not only does this provide value, but it positions you as a knowledgeable resource, which can attract attention from hiring managers.
5. Call Human Resources Directly
It may seem unconventional, but calling the HR department can open unexpected doors. Ask which outside recruiters or agencies they work with. If they inquire why, explain that while they may not be hiring for your skill set, you’d like to contact the agency for other opportunities. Sometimes, this proactive approach leads them to consider you directly, saving them agency fees and giving you a foot in the door.
These guerrilla job-hunting tactics may feel unconventional, but they can help you cut through the noise and make valuable connections. Stay tuned there are even more creative strategies you can use to supercharge your job search.
