Skip the Job Board Meat Market, Try These 6 Alternative Ways to Find a Job

Social Media

‍We're not just talking about LinkedIn's job ads here, join career-focused groups on LinkedIn and Facebook. All the better if they're specific to your field or location. Join discussions, get to know people and get yourself known. Even if an opportunity doesn't come up straight away, you can build connections and authority for when one does.

You can also monitor hashtags on Twitter. Cast around for the best ones for your needs and then set up feeds on a service like Hootsuite to keep track of them. As with groups, this is another chance to gain a reputation for yourself at the same time as looking for a job.

Use your network

‍Reach out to people who might be in a position to help. This doesn't only mean recruiters but also influential people in your industry. Mention to them that you're looking for something and ask them to bring your name up if they hear of any opportunities. When you apply to a job ad, your CV arrives along with dozens of others. This way, you can be thought of before an ad is even posted. Also, you are always in a better negotiation position if you were referred rather than applied yourself.

Use the network you didn't know you had

‍Most universities have a career service set up for alumni. See what yours offers. A shared alma mater is also a great talking point for making new connections with leaders in your sector. Furthermore, many companies have alumni groups on social networks or in certain locations.

Go to events

‍Don't just use your existing network. Get out there and meet new people. Use Eventbrite to find out what's going on near you. Go to startup and industry events and talk to people. As many people as you can.

Reverse the process

‍Don't answer a job ad, post a boss ad. That may sound odd, but it's been done and it worked. Out-of-the-box ideas like this can get you noticed in a good way.

Taledo

‍Of course, we have to throw in a mention for our own platform, which also reverses the process. Upload your CV and let startups contact you.

By using these different ideas, you will have access to a much larger pool of potential jobs and will have a head start on those who are just looking at job boards. Good luck.

Featured image: Flickr.com

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