9 Ways to Find Jobs (Beyond Traditional Job Search Methods)
If you're tired of using traditional job search methods, then you're not alone. Millions of job seekers compete for limited openings on popular job boards like LinkedIn, Career Builder, and Indeed. While it’s helpful to see how many applicants a specific role, it can also be disheartening. Instead of scrolling through pages and pages of job openings, I want you to consider building relationships that can lead to job opportunities. Fortunately, there are many creative ways to do this and look for new jobs outside traditional job search methods. You may even already be doing this - but not taking advantage of the opportunities in this way!
Attend Industry Conferences and Events
One of the best ways to find job opportunities outside traditional job search methods is by attending industry conferences, conventions, and events. Companies spend a lot of money to have employees serve as public ambassadors for their brand. The employee(s) who attend may be keynote speakers, workshop speakers, trade show booth representatives, and participants. They are there to network and find new talent - right there at the event!
By attending these events, you can meet representatives from companies that interest you and learn about job openings that are not advertised elsewhere. If they don’t have a current opening that suits you, you’ll have opened a door! Make sure to research the companies that will be represented at the event and prepare your pitch to impress potential employers.
If you’re not able to attend the event, don’t worry. I encourage you to check out the website of the event to get an idea of the companies and people who are associated with it. If there’s a specific person that catches your attention (e.g. they are speaking about a topic that’s interesting to you), head to LinkedIn and find their profile. To get the conversation started, direct message them and say something like “I saw you are speaking at [name of event]! I’m so interested in [topic]. While I’m not able to make it that day, I wanted to cheer you on.”
2. Listen to Industry Podcasts
Similar to events, industry podcasts can be a valuable resource for job seekers looking for jobs outside traditional job search methods, especially because they often feature interviews with industry leaders and experts. This provides you, the listener, with exclusive insights into their worlds. Many podcasts have online communities or social media groups where listeners can connect with hosts, guests, and other listeners. Participating in these communities can help you build your network and get your name out there. You may even be able to get referrals or introductions to companies and hiring managers.
Podcasts are also an excellent way to stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends. By staying informed about the latest technologies, best practices, and industry news, you can position yourself as a knowledgeable and valuable candidate. This can make you more attractive to hiring managers and give you an edge over other candidates. You can share what you learn as a LinkedIn post, mention it in a job interview and/or in a cover letter. If you learned something from a podcast guest, why not message them and let them know? You never know what kind of opportunities could come from building this relationship.
3. Make a List of Brands You Already Love and Use In Your Everyday Life
We all have our favorite brands that make our lives easier and better. These brands represent companies that may have job opportunities and won’t come up when you’re using traditional job search methods. To brainstorm a list of brands you already love, I suggest examining each domain of your life:
Career / Work (e.g. software, apps, ergonomics like the chair you’re sitting in, things that make your workday better like that nice candle burning in your office...)
Health (e.g. software, apps, equipment, gyms, trainers, medicines, elixirs, body products, footwear, athletic clothing…)
Pets (e.g. food, toys, bedding, training equipment, subscription boxes…)
Outside / Adventure (e.g. equipment/gear, gardening, tools, vehicles, recreational toys, apps, location ambassadors…)
Love (e.g. apps, gifts, favorite date spots…)
Family (e.g. organizing/communication apps, subscriptions, favorite gathering locations…)
Food (e.g. apps, subscriptions, stores, farmers, kitchen gadgets…)
Money (e.g. apps, subscriptions, financial advisors, banks/credit unions…)
Living Space (e.g. furniture, subscriptions, apps, interior design, plants, real estate…)
Everyday (e.g. clothing / shoes, time management, vehicles, your go-to for gifts…)
Once you have a list of brands, check out their career pages to see what kind of opportunities they have. If they don’t have an opening that fits your background, don’t let that stop you from researching the recruiter(s) on LinkedIn and making a connection.
The benefit of approaching your job search in this way is that you already know what the company does. You’ve likely recommended the brand to a friend so writing about why you want to work for the company will be easier.
4. Get Out of “Professional” Mode with Networking
When you think about networking, do you get a pit in your stomach because you think that means you need to join industry associations and make small talk? Of course you do! That’s how networking has been taught to us. Well, no more!
Unless you’re super excited to network with people in your industry, I want you to consider getting outside of “professional” mode and joining groups, associations, and classes in subjects you’re interested in. This can be a super valuable resource for job seekers looking for new opportunities outside traditional job search methods.
I wrote all about this concept in this post - Hate Networking? Get Out of Professional Mode.
In a nutshell, you “network” in your every day life just by being yourself and having conversations with other people. If you find the only conversations you’re having are with your house plants and dogs (me too!), then read the post to get ideas on how you can expand who you’re having conversations with.
5. Look for Companies on "Best Places to Work" Lists
Another way to find job opportunities outside traditional job search methods is by looking at "Best Places to Work" lists. These lists are compiled annually by various publications and websites and showcase companies that are highly rated by their employees. Do you have to be careful about the performative nature of these lists? Absolutely. For example, if you asked employees who work for companies on the America’s Best Employers For Diversity list, I’d be willing to bet a few opinions would come with an eye roll and deep sigh. 🙄🙄
Even if the companies on the list do not have current job openings, it is worth reaching out to them to express your interest in working there. They may be impressed with your initiative and keep you in mind for future opportunities.
6. Look at the Career Paths of People on LinkedIn
As a LinkedIn nerd, it’s no secret I’d bring it up. LinkedIn is a great way to check out the career paths of people you admire and/or who work for companies you have your eye on. This is especially important for those of you who are pivoting careers / industries so you can get a sense of what an entry level role could be. It’s also helpful to get a sense of the length of time in a role and whether the person has had promotions to get a sense of career advancement opportunities at the company.
7. Reach Out to Former Colleagues
Reconnecting with former colleagues can be a great way to find job opportunities beyond conventional job search methods. Since they already know you and you have established credibility, they may be able to refer you to job openings at their current company or provide insights into companies they have worked for. Before you reach out, be sure you know how you’re going to update them on your current career goals. This means having an updated copy of your resume/CV, a list of ideal roles or an understanding of what your greatest strengths are. Then, you’ll ask if they know of any opportunities that may be a good fit.
8. Join Lunchclub or Another AI Connector
Lunchclub “facilitate[s] casual conversations that lead to not-so-casual professional impact. Powered by AI.” This free service enables you to create a profile, set your availability schedule, and then matches you with other people looking to make new connections - for career opportunities and beyond. Each time you meet with someone, you get to rate the connection, which helps the AI-backed algorithm make a stronger match next time.
The other huge benefit to meeting people through virtual platforms like Lunchclub is getting to practice talking about yourself. I know this can be a major source of discomfort, but with practice, it can become more intuitive. And who knows who you will be connected to and where it will lead!
9. Contact Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies can be a valuable resource for job seekers looking for opportunities outside common search methods. Recruitment agencies work with companies to fill positions, and they often have access to job openings that are not advertised elsewhere. Contacting recruitment agencies in your geographic area and/or field and sending them your resume can help you get in front of hiring managers and increase your chances of finding a job.
Finding a new job is all about relationships and that means bypassing the impulse to apply to a job when you don’t have a connection at the company and/or with the hiring manager. Knowing someone at a company can significantly improve your chances of getting an interview. By attending conferences, networking through podcasts and Lunchclub, looking at “Best Places to Work” lists, looking into brands you already know and love, contacting recruiters, reaching out to former colleagues, and researching career paths on LinkedIn, you can increase your chances of finding the job that fits your strengths and career goals. Remember to be proactive, and persistent in your job search, and you'll be on your way in no time.
