10 Unconventional Strategies To Revolutionize Your Job Hunt

Aug 24, 20236 min read

Updated: Sep 7, 2023

How 10 Candidates Went Rogue On Their Job Hunt Strategy

Tired of the same old job search routine leading to dead ends? 🚧 When the standard avenues lead to dead ends, it's time to tread the uncharted territory.

Brace yourself though; these strategies aren't for the faint-hearted.

They're the unconventional, sometimes even controversial, ways to find that elusive dream job. Yet, they come with stories of triumph and tales of lessons learned.

So, if you're ready to flip the script and embark on an adventure, read on. Just remember, these bold tactics aren't a one-size-fits-all solution, but they might be the missing link in your job search journey.

Strategy #1: Reverse Applications

Turning Dreams into Initiatives

This strategy involves reaching out to companies you admire not with a traditional application, but with a creative project or idea related to their field. By showing true initiative and passion, you can capture their attention even if they're not actively hiring. This approach demonstrates your dedication and willingness to contribute beyond the norm, making you stand out.

Hey there, I'm Josh, a graphic designer with a passion for creativity. I had my sights set on this cutting-edge startup I really admired. But I knew I needed to stand out. Instead of hitting them with a regular application, I designed a marketing campaign idea that I believed would elevate their brand. It was a gamble, but guess what? They loved my approach! This bold move got their attention, and I ended up working with them on a short-term consulting gig. And you know what's even better? That gig turned into a full-time position that I absolutely love. Dreams do come true, especially when you turn them into initiatives!

Strategy #2: LinkedIn Comments

A Whisper in a Crowded Room

Engaging thoughtfully with industry leaders on LinkedIn can go a long way. Posting insightful comments on their posts showcases your expertise and enthusiasm. Catching the eye of a hiring manager through your comments can lead to direct contact and potential interview invitations, bypassing the traditional application process.

Hi, I'm Anna, and I've always dreamed of diving into the world of data science. But with the competition out there, I needed a way to break through. So, I started engaging thoughtfully with industry experts on LinkedIn. One day, one of my comments caught the eye of a hiring manager. Can you believe it? They were impressed by my insights and reached out to me directly. No traditional application needed! It just goes to show that sometimes a simple whisper in a crowded room can make all the difference.

Strategy #3: Shadow a Role

From Insight to Impact

Offering to shadow professionals already in the role you desire provides valuable firsthand experience. You'll not only learn about the job but also gain insights to suggest improvements and showcase your dedication. This can lead to interviews where you already have an edge with insider knowledge.

Positioning yourself near industry events or company headquarters can lead to unexpected networking opportunities. Striking up conversations with professionals who frequent coffee shops in these areas might connect you with decision-makers or insiders you wouldn't have met otherwise.

Hey, Emily here! I had my heart set on event management, but getting noticed was proving tricky. Then, a light bulb moment: why not offer to shadow someone who's already in the field? So, I approached a seasoned event planner and spent a day learning the ropes. It wasn't just about observing; I shared my ideas and enthusiasm too. And you know what? It worked! My dedication and suggestions caught the eye of potential employers, leading to an interview that turned into my dream job. Sometimes, a little shadowing can cast a big impact.

Strategy #4: Coffee Shop Networking

Serendipity Over Lattes

Hi, I'm Nathan, a tech enthusiast aiming to make my mark. But how? I figured, why not hit the coffee shops near the tech hub? One day, I found myself chatting with a fellow coffee lover who, surprise, turned out to be a VP at a growing startup. Our conversation was casual, but the outcome was anything but. That chance coffee shop encounter led to a remote job offer. Sometimes, all it takes is a little serendipity over lattes to change your trajectory.

Strategy #5: Personal Website Pitch

A Portfolio Beyond Paper

Crafting a personal website that showcases your skills, experiences, and personality can set you apart. Including the link in your applications provides employers with a dynamic portfolio that offers a memorable first impression beyond the confines of a traditional resume.

Hey there, I'm Olivia, a marketing specialist always looking for innovative ways to stand out. So, I decided to showcase my skills and experiences on a personal website. When I applied for jobs, I made sure to share the link. And guess what? A tech firm was so blown away by my unconventional approach that they reached out to me with an offer. Who knew a website could be the key to unlocking exciting opportunities beyond the usual resume?

Strategy #6: Hidden Job Market

Cracking the Referral Code

Rather than waiting for job openings, take the initiative to contact companies directly, even if they aren't advertising positions. Sending emails expressing your interest and attaching your resume can lead to referrals, which are a common way to fill positions before they're publicly listed.

Jacob here, a recent grad with big dreams in tech. There was this small tech company I admired, but they weren't advertising any openings. Did that stop me? Nope! I sent a cold email expressing my interest to the CEO and attached my resume. Turns out, that bold move paid off. The CEO forwarded my email, leading to an interview for a position they hadn't even posted publicly. Sometimes, taking that leap into the unknown opens doors you never expected.

Strategy #7: The Gradual Meet-up

Patience for the Prize

Attending industry meet-ups and events with the goal of building genuine relationships, rather than immediately talking about job opportunities, can pay off in the long run. These connections might lead to freelance gigs, referrals, and eventually, job offers.

Hi, I'm Sophia, a freelance writer looking for a steady gig. Instead of rushing into job talk, I started attending industry meet-ups to build authentic connections. Over time, these relationships evolved, and freelance projects started coming my way. But here's the best part: those connections eventually led to a full-time writing role I couldn't be happier about. Turns out, patience and genuine connections were the keys to unlocking my dream job.

Strategy #8: Solve Company Challenges

From Puzzle-Solver to Problem-Solver

Research a company's pain points and present well-thought-out solutions. This showcases your problem-solving skills and demonstrates your commitment to contributing positively to the organization's success. Companies appreciate candidates who come prepared with solutions.

Hey, I'm Marcus, a finance professional with a knack for solving problems. I identified areas where a company was struggling and crafted a detailed proposal to address their challenges. I sent it directly to the CFO, and my solution-focused approach not only showcased my skills but also landed me a position where I could implement my suggestions. Sometimes, being a puzzle-solver can transform you into a valuable problem-solver for a company

Strategy #9: Personalized Videos

Making an Impression in Motion

Create short video pitches for specific job applications. Personalized videos allow you to stand out in a crowded inbox and provide a glimpse of your personality. This approach adds a unique touch and can make a strong impression on potential employers.

Hey, I'm Lisa, a video editor who wanted to stand out in a sea of applications. So, I got creative and made a personalized video pitch for a video production company I admired. My humorous and unique approach not only scored me an interview but also showcased my video editing skills in a memorable way. Turns out, a little bit of motion can make a huge impression in a competitive job market.

Strategy #10: Volunteer for Workshops

Knowledge Sharing to Network Building

Leading a workshop or training session related to your field showcases your expertise and offers networking opportunities. Sharing your knowledge with others can position you as a valuable candidate and connect you with professionals who might have job leads.

Hi, I'm Henry, an IT specialist who wanted to take networking to the next level. So, I volunteered to lead a workshop on cybersecurity at a local tech event. My expertise and engaging presentation caught the attention of several professionals, leading to networking opportunities that eventually turned into job offers. Sometimes, sharing your knowledge can be the best way to build a network and open doors to exciting possibilities.

These unconventional strategies tap into creativity, initiative, and a willingness to go beyond the norm. While they're not suitable for everyone or every situation, they can be powerful tools in your job hunt arsenal. Success often depends on the timing, approach, and the industry you're targeting, but they can certainly help you stand out from the crowd.

Greetings, I'm Camilla Vander M, a top communications and interview coach with a track record of guiding 3000+ candidates to interview success. With a Drama and Production background and extensive experience in government and private sectors across Africa and the Middle East, I offer a distinct approach to enhancing professional communication.

Based in Abu Dhabi, I'm dedicated to empowering individuals to excel in job interviews and presentations. My personalized coaching builds confidence, showcases strengths, and targets improvement areas. I'm a firm believer in everyone having the skills to convey qualifications with confidence. My adaptable methods suit all accents and cultures, fostering a unique communication style aligned with individual skills and experiences.