Creative Approaches to Getting a Job

Bad Job News, Good Job News



“A week before my start date, a human resources manager called to say their company could not hire me because of budget cuts! Now I had to beg for my old job back — again,” says Basso.



But, then, another twist …



A few weeks later, Basso’s phone rang. It was the HR manager who couldn’t hire him.



“She had a new job lead for me. It was for a sales position at a company run by … her husband,” says Basso.



Perhaps the HR manager felt such remorse about not hiring Basso that she gave him a break. In any case, because she had already vetted him for a job, Basso had an edge when her husband’s company needed another employee.



This is how networking works, by the way. The more people who know you, trust you, and know what job you’re suitable for, the shorter your search will be.



Basso met and became trusted by an HR manager who first hired him, then reneged. But the trusted relationship remained intact — and led to a new job.



Job Hunting Lessons Learned



Now. What can you learn from Basso’s unconventional job search? Two things …



1. Pick a Target Market.



While Basso didn’t have a specific job title or employer in mind, he did have a location — nearby office buildings.



Although I can’t recommend a blind “submarine sandwich” approach as your first option, geographic targeting can get you hired. Example: One of my readers, Rod S., from Waterloo, Ontario, found a job within 31 days after targeting 19 firms within a 5-minute drive of his home, then contacting each with a customized resume and cover letter. You can do this, too.



2. Reach Your Market in a Compelling Way.



Basso decided that sandwiches were a vehicle he could latch onto for getting his resume to employers. He was right. And his delivery method was so compelling that it compensated for the fact that, by his own admission, his resume was rather bland.



Think about what and whom your ideal employers interact with every day: pizza boxes, flower deliveries, the cleaning lady, bicycle messengers, billboards, elevators, etc.



What one unconventional way could you deliver your resume and cover letter to employers? It should be creative, compelling and, of course, legal. List 10 possibilities then pick one to test.



Now, go out and make your own luck!



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