Don’t be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments
you make the better.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
All of the stress and tension of a job search can make you hesitate to step out of the box and do something different than others are doing–at the same time, we all know how important it is to stand out from other job seekers so you get noticed, get the interview, and get hired.
To be clear, there are some things you don’t want to ‘experiment’ with in a job search–don’t send your resume out on florescent pink paper, and don’t show off your tap dancing skills in the interview.
You can be completely professional and appealing to employers by doing a couple of things that are new to you but are working for thousands of job seekers.
(1) Don’t be intimidated by the HR machine that says, “Fill out this form and don’t call us–we’ll call you.” First of all, MAYBE they’ll call you. Most of the time, they don’t. How many times have you filled out online applications and heard nothing? Probably a lot–that’s true for most people. Not only are you missing out on hidden jobs that aren’t posted right now, you are making yourself a number in their system instead of a face in front of the hiring manager.
To get interviews consistently, you need to contact hiring managers directly with your resume. Sometimes they’ll ask you in for an interview. Sometimes they’ll say, “You need to fill out HR’s application.” Even if that happens, you are still in a better position, because now they know you’re there, and that you’re someone who actively pursues success.
See my proven system to find hidden jobs and contact hiring managers with exactly the right thing to say: Hidden Jobs Finder.
(2) Show up at your first interview with a 30-60-90-Day Plan that outlines how you will approach this job in the first 3 months.
In your interviews, go the extra mile and create a 30 60 90 Day Plan. It takes some time and effort to make one, especially before you’ve spoken to them at all about the job–but it can be done and you will stand head and shoulders above other candidates who didn’t work this hard before their interview. You will be better-prepared for the conversation and for their interview questions.
Get a perfect 30-60-90-Day Plan Template and Coaching:
- 30-60-90-Day Sales Plans for Sales Jobs
- 30-60-90-Day Plan for Managers for any management-level job
- 30-60-90-Day Plan for Executives for any Director, President, VP, or C-Level position