Miira Leinonen
CMO
Passionate about creating compelling stories and enhancing the world of recruitment. Helping companies to improve their Employer Brand with modern recruitment methods and superior Candidate Experience.
Job Seeker
Think Outside the Box: 7 Unconventional Tips for Job Search
Job hunting can be an incredibly stressful experience. In fact, for many people, the stress of job searching can feel more overwhelming than the work itself. This is understandable, as people tend to dislike uncertainty, and careers often play a vital role in shaping our identities.
When you consider that we’re willing to spend roughly half of our waking hours at work, it’s clear just how important finding the right job can be. After all, our jobs have a significant impact on our daily lives, our social connections, and even our mental health.
Even though searching for a job can be a daunting task, with the right approach it can be a smooth and successful process. Let us help you with some useful and not-so-conventional tips!
Get first familiar with basic job-seeking tips and tricks
Whether you are just starting your job search or have been looking for a while, you have most probably heard of these basic tips for recruitment
- Tailor your resume and cover letter: Customize your resume and cover letter for each job you apply to.
- Use job search apps: Job search apps can be a great way to find job openings in your field. You can set up alerts for job openings that match your skills and experience.
- Research companies: Before you apply for a job, do some research on the company. Look at their website, social media accounts, and news articles to get a sense of their values, culture, and current projects.
Yet, there are many more detailed tips to improve your job search. Check out our blog for improving your application and CV.
Are you already on top of these issues? Do you want to get more out-of-box ideas to land your dream job? The following steps can help you find and secure a job that aligns with your career goals and aspirations.
1. Build a personal brand and use social media to your advantage
Invest in building your personal brand. What is it exactly? Your personal brand is about the visibility and values that you outwardly represent. A.k.a, how do you want people to see you?
Develop a strong online presence through social media platforms, like LinkedIn, to showcase your skills and expertise in your industry. Not only can you search for jobs and connect with potential employers, but you can build your personal brand and generate awareness through posts and articles.
Consider also creating a personal website or blog that can help you stand out from other job candidates. Building a personal brand never goes to waste.
2. Attend industry events and conferences
Attending industry events and conferences can be a great way to network with people in your field and learn about new job opportunities. Look for events in your area or consider attending virtual events. You never know who you will meet when you are open to networking with new people!
Consider also joining a professional association related to your field. It can be a great way to connect with other professionals. Attend events and conferences hosted by the association to expand your network. Moreover, check out job fairs to meet with recruiters and learn about job opportunities.
3. Leverage your hobbies, passions, and networks
If you have a hobby or passion that’s related to the industry you want to work in, use it to your advantage. For example, if you love photography and want to work in marketing, create a portfolio of your work and use it to showcase your skills and creativity.
Take your networks into use. Do you belong to an alumni network? If you went to college or university, reach out to your alumni network to connect with other graduates in your field. Your alumni network may also have job resources and career counseling available to alumni.
Furthermore, remember to let your friends, family, and professional contacts know that you’re job hunting. They may be able to make introductions that could help you land a job. On LinkedIn, you can make this visible by flagging on your profile that you are open to new work opportunities.
4. Consider freelancing, interning, or volunteering
If you’re having trouble finding a full-time job, consider freelancing or consulting. These opportunities can help you build your skills, gain valuable experience, and find relevant contacts. Perhaps one of your customers will want to hire you full-time after you have proved your value. Or, you may end up loving the entrepreneurial lifestyle so much that you do not even want a ‘normal’ 9 to 5 job anymore.
Have you considered making an internship or voluntary work? Even if you’re not currently in school, internships can be valuable opportunities to gain experience and make connections in your field. These experiences can also lead to full-time job opportunities down the line.
Also, volunteer work can give you valuable work experience and as a bonus, more meaningfulness in your life. For example in Finland, we have plenty of options available to volunteer. Google some opportunities for your area and choose the one that excites you the most.
5. Find hidden jobs: Reach out to recruiters proactively
Recruiters can be valuable allies in your job search. Research recruiters in your field and reach out to them with your resume and cover letter. You can also start a conversation by simply sending them a relevant question on LinkedIn or by email.
The best companies are recruiting proactively and want to talk with potential candidates. They may have job opportunities that aren’t posted publicly and can connect you with the right people.
Join also companies’ talent communities and pools. Even though they wouldn’t have an open position available just now, the situation can change very quickly. Don’t miss your opportunity to find your dream job!
6. Research startups and small businesses
Widen your horizon. Don’t limit your job search to large corporations and well-known companies. Small businesses and startups may offer unique job opportunities and can provide valuable experience.
Look for startup job boards or search for local small businesses that may be hiring. For example, The Hub is a job portal dedicated to helping job seekers to find jobs in startups. There are also often available online listings of the most popular startups so you can check them out and find interesting employers.
Would you be a great fit for a startup? Check out our blog post to find out. If you have ever worked for a bigger company and are now considering joining a startup, be prepared—you will definitely see a difference.
7. Take a career coach
If you’re feeling stuck in your job search, consider hiring a career coach. A career coach can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, develop a job search strategy, and improve your interviewing and networking skills. Check your network first, is there already someone who could help you out?
Are you still wondering what you would like to do in your career? If yes, take a step back and check first our blog post to get 10 tips for your career planning.
I hope you got some relevant tips for your job search. We at TalentAdore love to help out and encourage job seekers on their journey toward their dream careers.
Today already more than 55 000 candidates have found their new workplace through our solution, TalentAdore Hire. And this is only the beginning 🚀 We are dedicated to improving the candidate experience in the world and thus, we offer the best in the market solution for giving personalized feedback to candidates.
We bring the human touch back to recruitment ❤️
