6 innovative ways to conduct a job search that will get you ahead of the pack

Jonah Malin

There’s nothing more stressful, nerve-wracking, and time-consuming than looking for a new job.

It can take months and even years of daily work to find a situation that is stable while offering the career path that you desire. But the way we conduct job searches is changing. We are no longer confined to mailing paper resumes and “dropping in” to see if there is an HR person or executive willing to hear your pitch. In a highly competitive work environment, those strategies are a thing of the past.

But how are modern job seekers supposed to compete with individuals who understand the market, have more experience, better connections, and deeper pockets?

Here are six innovative ways for you to conduct a job search that will get you ahead of the pack.

• Take a company-first approach

A lot of college graduates are conditioned to look for specific roles that will set them up for fruitful careers. For example, if you have a marketing degree you would be inclined to research entry-level marketing coordinator, associate, and specialist positions. The company doesn’t matter as much because you are just trying to get a foot in the door.

While this approach works for some people when they’re first starting their careers, individuals that are tired of job-hopping should consider conducting a company-first job search.

Decide what interests you most about your “dream company”. A few important things you should think about are company size, location, benefits, and longevity (startup environment vs industry leader).

Obviously, modern job seekers are also invested in company culture, so consider the values that are most important to you and how you work best. Some people prefer large group settings while others like to slip their headphones on and zone in for hours at a time, undisturbed.

Then make a list of companies that fit what you want and keep an eye out for job openings. If nothing in your field is available, don’t be afraid to send in a detailed cover letter and resume explaining why you’re a great fit!

• Remember that social media matters- use it to your advantage

When we think of “job search” and “social media”, the obvious choice is LinkedIn.

You know, the platform that was built for employees to network and find new companies.

But we often forget that a lot of people are also on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

If you want to get a unique jump on your competition, make it known on more personal platforms that you are currently on the hunt for a new opportunity. Share things you find professionally relevant to your job, find the latest job openings by searching on various social platforms, link to your portfolio, and develop high-level relevant content that companies may be interested in.

If your social media pages are full of memes or anything that an HR person may find offensive, it’s probably best to cleanse your pages. Social media should work for you not against you.

See all 6 innovative ways and the complete theladders article