4 New Ways to Job Hunt

You've probably had one or several bosses who told you to "think outside the box" and "come to me with solutions, not problems."

So if you're unemployed and competing with a record number of job seekers in today's economy, you can't help but think that flashy and outrageous is the way to get noticed. And maybe it is for some people, but not everyone is willing to stand at a busy intersection wearing a sandwich-board sign that says, "Hire me!"

Where does that leave you, a job seeker who needs some way to make your résumé look more attractive than the 50 other ones in the stack?

Fear not: The rules of job seeking are in constant flux, and employers are looking for an impressive candidate, even if his or her credentials are unorthodox. The following are some examples of what other job seekers are doing to get an edge over other applicants.

1. Start a blog

Doesn't it seem as if everyone and their mother has a blog these days? Except you, that is.

Find a subject you're knowledgeable about and start writing. Compose articles that illustrate your command of the topic and that can serve as resources for someone. Over time you'll accumulate an impressive collection of work, says Lauren Milligan of ResuMAYDAY, a company that helps job seekers craft résumés.

"It doesn't really matter what type of job you are seeking; there is always an angle that will interest people," Milligan says. "If you are a financial manager, write about how a family's investment strategy should change during a recession, or how to research an investment opportunity to avoid the next Bernie Madoff. If you are an administrative professional, write about time-management strategies or online tools that help you through your day."

She stresses that you don't have to be looking for a writing job to get an employer's attention.

"Doing this will let potential employers know that you are engaged at an expert level and will gain insights into you as an employee that won't be available to other candidates," Milligan says. "It will also let employers know that you are comfortable with online tools. In other words, this is a great way to gain a competitive edge."

2. Facebook / LinkedIn / BrightFuse

Even though social networking isn't the technology fledgling it once was, it's still new on the scene in terms of job seeking. We hear about people who get caught lying on their Facebook profiles, but people are getting hired via networking sites, too. You can use your education and work history fields to create a new form of résumé. Search your friends list for valuable contacts or join professional networks that can help you find a job or at least get the word out that you're looking.

"Technology doesn't replace the networking step of the job search, but it can certainly make it easier and faster," says Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration. "Social networking sites can help you identify appropriate contacts for networking."

3. Twitter

On Twitter, which is a different kind of networking site, you can leverage contacts in the same way, only you can Tweet about your job hunt and people can stumble upon your profile more easily.

Your profile or Tweets can link to your personal site, whether it's an online portfolio or blog. Not only will you make new contacts, but you'll also have a larger audience viewing the hard work you put into your site, which can impress a potential employer.

4. Virtual career fairs

If you dislike the idea of taking your suit to the cleaners and finding a sitter for the kids just to head out to a job fair, then stay at home and go online.

"[Virtual career fairs are part of] a growing trend among employers looking for a new, cost-effective way to recruit high-quality talent as well as tech-savvy job seekers," says Jennefer Traeger, who works with Unisfair, a virtual job-fair provider. The global aspect of virtual fairs removes geographic obstacles that otherwise complicate job searches.

THE GREAT INDIAN JOB FAIR

Online recruitment websites are arguably one of the most favoured destinations for the job seekers as well as the employers today. However with the organized players conducting job fairs and career expos, another platform is being created for aspirants to interact with the best companies across industries. You may not necessarily find a new job at the career expo, but you stay updated about the current openings and trends in your industry.

Job Fairs are gaining popularity. These are organized gatherings in which employers set up booths and meet with prospective employees. These are usually organized by the universities for recruitment activities. Job fairs present an unparalleled opportunity for anyone looking for a new job (a fresher or someone with experience). The biggest advantage is that all the companies are looking for employable talent and hence the aspirant has an audience that is willing to hear him and evaluate him. The job aspirant can thus reach out to all prospective employers in the span of a day and stand to gain a great career. Experts feel that choosing from a diverse pool of talent available at a job fair presents a wide choice to the employers and is cost effective tool. Job fairs are considered a serious recruitment platform today and if re-designed, it can be more conductive for recruiting senior level positions as well.

How to make this comprehensive method work for you?
Experts advise that someone attending such an event should do sufficient research before they arrive at the venue. Often it is possible to obtain information about the participating companies in the job fair. It is a good idea to jot down the companies that you would be interested in, even if it is just a couple of them. Further to have a fair idea of what kind of positions are they looking for? As a part of their research, candidates should also plan in advance about what they could learn and plan in advance about prospect employers. When it is imperative that one be distinguished in the crowd, job seekers must remember that companies are really serious when it comes to recruitment. So avoid casual attire and try customizing your resume to match the employers' interest. Prepare a small 30-45 sec introduction about yourself including your education qualifications and past work experience.

While at a job fair, remember that your main purpose is not to just handover your resume but to leave an impression on the recruiters. It is just impossible for the company representative to remember your name after meeting hundreds of job seekers. One good way to make sure that your brief conversation is remembered is to follow up with an e-mail after the event.

It is hard to know just how valuable a job fair might be, without actually attending it. But by going in prepared and with an open mind, you will likely learn something valuable. You might meet an employer who sounds terrific; you might be introduced to new options that you never considered before.and who knows, you just might end up with the career of a lifetime!

Did you strike SUCCESS at Job Fair?

Job Fairs are a common platform for both jobseekers and the companies! These fairs are not just for the beginners but also for those who have experience and are looking forward to job shift. If you go in prepared, you can succeed with not just one job in hand but multiple offers to choose from!

Job fairs are not a place for fun and entertainment. There is serious work going in there and your carefree outlook can stand against you. Let's see how we can turn a Job Fair into our stepping stone to success.
Pre event Preparations

• Do Research! Have prior information on which companies are participating. Shortlist the companies that interest you. Visit the websites of the companies you are interested in to have a overview knowledge about them.


• Customize your Resumes. make alterations in your resume to match the requirements of the company you want to interview for. This will make your resume appear more appropriate for the job. Carry two copies of the document for each company.


• Register Your Self!! You can register your self for appearing in the interview before the actual fair. This gives you an option to decide your interview slot.

The Job Fair.The Day of Opportunity, to get your Dream Job!

• Be formally dressed. Your appearance does talk a lot about you. Dress up neatly in formal attire. Don't be loud with anything you wear.
  
  
• Work out your Plan.You must have a plan of attack for the fair. You've already know the companies you are interested in. See if any new companies have registered when you arrive at the fair. Survey the layout of the fair and decide an order in which you would like to appear for the interview.
  
  
• Experts suggest meeting with your top choices first in the morning, interviewing with your other choices in the middle of the day, and returning to your top choices at the end of the day to thank them again for their time. But remember to be flexible as your top choices. They may be the top choices of many others at the fair, creating long wait. that you may wish to avoid.
  
  
• Your Crucial Moment. You will have only a few minutes with the recruiters. Make most of it! Give brief introduction of yourself. Highlight the benefits that the company will have on selecting you. Sell Your Self hard!
  
  
• Must at the Interview. Make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and show enthusiasm. Make sure you also have some questions to ask the interviewer. A great concluding question for you to ask is, "What do I need to do to obtain a second interview with your company?"
  
  
• Networking is the most vital task you must do at the fair. Talk to the recruiters about the job and the company plans. However, you can also network with your fellow job-seekers in terms of sharing information about job leads, companies, and their recruiting strategies and styles. There may also be professional organizations or employment agencies on hand at the fair, which are also good sources for networking.

Post Event Must Do Conservative business attire is essential, because image and first impressions are critical. Know what is the expected attire of your profession and dress accordingly. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.