Are You Bold Enough to Try Some of These Unconventional Tips?

When you're knee-deep in the job search, it can seem like an endless parade of applications, phone calls and rejection letters. Conventional methods of looking for a job may not be enough in today's ultra-competitive job market. To increase your odds of success, consider the following unconventional job search strategies.

Skip Human Resources

This tip may seem counterintuitive to conventional job search advice, because any job seeker knows the HR department is the usually the first stop for incoming resumes and cover letters. That is precisely why you should try skipping it; human resources departments already receive more candidate applications than they can handle, so yours isn't likely to stand out. Instead, send your resume along with a personalized cover letter directly to the CEO of the company. While this person likely doesn't handle the hiring, he or she might forward it on to the hiring manager for you if you make a good impression. This is priceless, because a resume coming from the CEO or upper management could command more urgency and attention.

Create an Online Resume

Creating a personal site that showcases your skills and experience is a great way to differentiate yourself from your competition during your job search. Most everyone has a resume and a LinkedIn profile, but few candidates have personal websites. Creating one is simple and inexpensive if you go through a free, user-friendly platform such as WordPress. Your site doesn't have to be fancy, either; you just need tabs for your resume, contact info and testimonials. Once completed, you can paste the link to your site right into the body of your cover letter or opening email to any company.

Make Your Interview Count

The interview is your time to shine. Take advantage of that time by thoroughly preparing. Research the company carefully so that you understand its values and vision for the future. Figure out how your skills and expertise can help the leaders achieve their goals, and bring this information to the interview. Think of it as more than auditioning for a job; convince the hiring manager that the company needs you to help it grow.

Send a Handwritten Thank You Note

While it is often recommended that you send a thank you note after the interview, most candidates who do this tend to go the email route. While this is perfectly acceptable and expected, it doesn't produce the same "wow" factor as a handwritten thank you note. Keep it short and sweet; thank the interviewer for his time and consideration, and reiterate some of the major points from your interview. Print neatly and legibly, and drop it off personally within 24 hours of the interview to prevent mail delays.

During your job search, there are no rules stating you have to color inside the lines. These tips may be unconventional, but that's what makes them so effective: not everyone is comfortable with trying them. Utilizing these unusual job search strategies can help you work smarter, not harder, to get to that dream job.

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