Extreme Job Hunting Strategies
Job Hunting Strategies
CNN recently ran an article regarding ‘extreme’ job hunting measures that caught my attention. I’ve heard of a lot of the tried-and-true job hunting strategies, but this post had a few new ones that I hadn’t heard before. A few of the tactics listed were:
- run a billboard – interesting idea, but I’m not sure how targeted this one could be. You may get a lot of ‘creepers’ contacting you – especially if you took them to a website that had your personal work history on it.
- print ads on cocktail napkins – huh? I don’t get this one. Where would the napkins be?
- bypass HR and try to ride the elevator with the manager – I think this is a horrible strategy, making you look very desperate. Has this ever worked for anyone?
But there was one practical idea that I really, really liked. Offer a cash ‘bounty’ for the first person who finds you the job you end up taking.
Why does this idea really sound appealing to me? Let’s look at my wife’s recent unemployment situation as an example. As a landscape architect, she works in a tight-knit industry where there are not a lot of jobs (and no growth). This means the competition for any available jobs is going to be high. And those actually hiring are going to try to find someone through their network.
If there are some full-time jobs out there and she is as equally qualified as another colleague who was laid off – who is going to get referred by former co-workers – the person offering them the exciting $250 reward to refer them, or the person offering them nothing?
Some may argue that your merits should speak for themselves when getting referred for a job. This is true, but in offering a cash incentive, you are providing an inspiring incentive and putting others within your industry to work for you. We all tend to get wrapped up in their own dramas, or just downright lazy sometimes. And in tough times, would you rather go at it alone or have a team of people on your side who are extra motivated?
Job Hunting Discussion:
- What ‘extreme’ job hunting techniques have you tried? Were they successful?
- Have any unique job hunting strategy ideas?
- What do you think of this ‘bounty’ strategy?
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I am G.E. Miller, & 
I like the bounty idea. Building a website (if you know how) is a solid strategy, as are business cards. Neither are extreme though.
I like the bounty idea better than some of the other ideas (i.e. wearing your resume on your shirt) Also did you get the email I sent you yesterday G.E.?
A unique job hunting strategy would be to use facebook or linkedin. Obviously you can’t have any pictures of yourself drunk in order for this to work. What many people have done is set up their profile like a resume and include professional looking pictures. For the profile you could treat it like a resume by listing your work experience, education, and any other accomplishments. Once you have your profile set up the trick is add friends that either work in an industry that you would like to enter or people with connections.
I have heard extreme stories where MBA’s would stand in a crowded intersection with a sandwich board and resumes during rush hours to get attention from people. I have heard this has worked to get an interview, of course would not recommend it unless extremely desperate.
I have been a recruiter for 30 years and don’t like extreme measures. I believe top talent will always come out on top. Just do some basic things so you are findable. Most candidates don’t make it easy for recruiter, hiring managers or HR to find them.
Build a good profile on Linkedin, get on Google, try blogging, use Twitter, the more people know you are out there the better your chances of being found
OMG! that gorilla at the top is amazing, that gorilla owns
bounty is the best out of this bunch for sure……. but for me…. you just have to be passionate about the job….. and do more than the next person going for it…..