As a job seeker you are probably trying to determine how best to distinguish yourself in a very competitive job market.  Maybe you’re trying to think of a creative way to stand out.  But you don’t want to be so creative that you look ridiculous.

 

Here are some creative job search techniques to help you land that next position:

 

Offer to coordinate the job bank at the local chapter of your professional association.  This will put you in direct contact with hiring companies.  And of course you will hear about vacant positions first!

 

Follow hiring managers at companies where you would like to work, finding out what topics they are tweeting about, and then join the conversation.  You can make a good impression on the hiring manager without asking for a job.  If the manager has a need and is impressed with you, he or she will contact you about any opportunities.

 

Research companies that hire people in your area of expertise on Zoominfo or Hoovers, and then try to network your way into the company.  This will enable you to identify the hidden job market (positions that are not advertised).

 

Perform due diligence on companies on LinkedIn and then identify hiring manager(s) who work at those companies.  You can then check a hiring manager’s profile to see what groups he or she is a part of as well as any questions he or she has asked or answered.  This gives you some intelligence about what is important to this person.  You can then join a group that this person is a part of, which then gives you direct access to this person since most people allow other group members to contact them directly.  Ask this person to join your network and then start a conversation with this person.

 

Volunteer in an organization where you would like to work.  This gives the hiring manager to see your work ethic in action.  If they have a need and the budget, they will hire you because you are a known entity.