5 Original Ways to Find Work

Due to the current recession, there are many people who are looking for a new job. Competition for every post is getting more and more as many people apply for every position they can find.

If you are to be successful with your job hunting, it's important that you stand out from the crowd. You need to persuade any prospective employer that you will be an asset to their company.

These ideas may make it easier for you to find your ideal job:

1. Offer your services for nothing. Now, I know you'll be thinking 'Why should I give my services for free?'. This is daunting, particularly when you don't have a job, but offering your services for free can work in your favor and will set you apart from your competition.

Offer to work for a week for nothing. If they're happy with how you work, they may hire you on the spot, or when they have an opening available. Be the best you can be when you're volunteering for the week. You want your prospective employer to realise what an asset you would be as a paid employee.

2. Use social networking. Internet websites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are very popular. Many people use these websites to catch up with old friends and to find long lost loves, but they're also great for finding employment.

Build up a relationship - you want to show off your skills and value before you ask anybody for a job.

It might not work immediately, but these networking sites have incredible possibilities for 'word of mouth' recommendations, so work hard, and keep networking and letting people know that you are available for work.

3. Do it the old-fashioned way, and hit the pavement! In these days of emails, Facebook and fax machines, it's easy to forget that the best asset you have is yourself.

Dress professionally and get out there! Visit prospective employers - introduce yourself, give them a firm handshake and present them with well prepared resume. Building a relationship in this way can be valuable - it lets a manager put a face to a name rather than getting an application by email or fax.

It may take a bit of hard work and perseverance, but this may be the ideal way to make a good impression when you apply for a job you really want.

4. Put an ad online or in the newspaper. When looking for a job, we all tend to look at the help wanted section in the newspaper and apply to as many as we can.

Turn the tables and think outside the box! Place an ad telling prospective employers that you're available. Explain what your strengths and talents are and what position you're looking for.

You're in control! You're looking for prospective employers to pick up their phone and call you. You don't want them to think - 'There's another desperado looking for a job'!

5. Prospective employers often accept speculative applications, so write to them. Put together a letter to a company which really interests you. In your letter, explain what your skills are, and how you'd be an asset to their business. If you can really convince them that their company would be lost without you, then you've won! Always make sure that your letters are well presented, professional, confident and grammatically correct.

You always want to come across as professional - you want to persuade prospective employers why they need you on board, not simply beg for a job.

Job hunting today is difficult, but if you think differently from other job seekers, it may be all you need to get the perfect job you're hoping for. If you use these tips carefully, you'll stand out from the competition, and land the job you want.

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