Leveraging your network is extremely important in your job search. Collaboration is no different. It’s essential in making your job search happen and with positive results. The job market is extremely competitive. Because of this, it is easy for companies and hiring managers to overlook qualified candidates because they are inundated with hundreds or thousands of candidates for one solitary position. Our friends and network can help make us stand out in a crowded market, placing our name squarely and frequently in front of the eyes of the decision maker multiple times and in multiple ways.
My friend Bryon Abramowitz (The HR Technologist) feels the same way about the job search which is why we’ve teamed up to bring you the 10 Most Creative Job Search Secrets (Guaranteed). Bryon lists his Top 5 Job Search Tips on his blog HERE and mine are below.
1. Google Alerts. Set up a google alert for your name, common misspellings, and your target companies. Stay up to date on what people are saying about you and your company(s) of choice.
2. Use KnowEm. This service protects your brand and creates profiles for you on up to 350 social media accounts. There is a fee associated with this service, but I guarantee it is worth your time. You provide KnowEm with a profile picture and bio, and they do the rest opening and setting up your profile with just a click of a mouse.
3. Canvassing. This is a common practice among political groups and Greek organizations in college. Build a guerrilla PR team and start getting the word out about yourself, grassroots-style, helping to market yourself both online and offline. This could be in the form of offering free window washing services in the downtown area for executives or flash mobs at public areas or other events if you are creative. Online, your PR team can promote you by recommending you on LinkedIn, commenting on and promoting your blog, and singing your praises. “Divide and conquer” is a great strategy that will provide fantastic results in half the time.
4. Weekly Profile Updates. Update your CareerBuilder, Monster, LinkedIn and other job board profiles weekly (or twice a week) to keep them fresh, current, and at the top of the search results. This makes it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to find you.
5. Host Your Own Event. Host a cocktail mixer at your home or favorite classy bar. Invite friends & ask them to invite a friend. You control the guest list and will be sure to meet and welcome each new guest. Make your job search intentions known in a casual and fun atmosphere.
The job search doesn’t have to be a lonely and solitary place. By using our friends, colleagues, and others in our network, we can have a little fun, differentiate ourselves in the competitive marketplace, and land a job that fits our experience and personality. Visit Bryon’s blog post for the remaining 5 Job Search Tips in our Top 10 Creative Job Search Secrets–Guaranteed collaboration.
Photo Credit Work Strategically.
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Jessica Miller-Merrell, SPHR is an author, new mother, and human resources professional with a passion for HR, recruiting and all things social media. She has over 10 years of experience in human resources & recruiting.
Her company, Xceptional HR provides businesses with social media, recruitment, and human resources strategy and consulting. Jessica’s book, Tweet This! Twitter for Business was released January 2010. Follow Jessica on Twitter, LinkedIn, & FaceBook.
