There are thousands of resources out there that teach you the “process” of how to get an interview. Sure getting that resume tight, practicing potential questions and doing your research about the position is essential but these days that usually just isn’t enough.
I remember sitting down a few months ago after reading 96 resumes and thinking that if just one of these people did something a little different and unconventional I would bring them in for an interview the next day. The experiences and skills just all seemed to melt together into an indistinguishable mess, I was pretty sure at least a few of these 96 people were interesting but their resume and follow-ups sure didn’t show it.
To avoid falling into this deadly sea of similarity, try following a few of these unconventional tactics that will definitely make you stand out and get an interview.
How to Get an Interview: Unconventional Tactics That Really Work
1. Create a Youtube video
We highlighted a recent graduate named Al Biedrzycki a couple months ago who had submitted a variety of cover letters to companies that never responded, so he decided to take matters into his own hands. The video is great because it shows his creativity while still highlighting the value he can bring to a company and past experience. I would definitely recommend giving it a peak; short, creative and sure to give you a laugh.
2.Advertise yourself EVERYWHERE
Craigslist, social networks, the bulletin board at your church or local grocery store. Rent a billboard if you really have to or initiate your own personal guerrilla marketing campaign. Just get in front of as many people as possible in as many creative ways as possible.
3. Connect with Someone in the Company on Social Media
If you have a certain company you want to work for, look for some of the people within that company on social media platforms and find someone with similar interests or passions. Connect with them on that level first then see about getting a warm introduction to the right people in the company. This way you end up with a new friend and a job at the same time.
4.Just show up
You never know, you may show up at just the right time and get an interview on the spot. At the very least the company now has a face to relate to the generic bullet points on the resume. If you are feeling especially outgoing, keep showing up until they relent.
5.Dont ask for a Job
Seriously, just try not asking for a job upfront. Send the company an email or letter telling them that you ran across their website and loved what you saw, however, you had a few great ideas for other things they could be doing. A thoughtful personalized email that shows you care and understand their business goes miles and should at least get you a phone call, during which time you can nonchalantly mention that you are looking for more work.
There you have it, how to get an interview using some unconventional but very effective tactics. If you have heard of some other out of the box techniques that worked (or didn’t) or have used some other techniques yourself that we didn’t mention we’d love to hear about it. We’ll even write a post about the person with the best tactic!
Evan Watson is an independent writer and the Chief Evangelist at Brand-yourself.com. At Brand-yourself.com Evan combines his passion for writing, entrepreneurship, and making meaningful connections with new people. He is also a self-proclaimed adrenaline junky and enjoys kite-boarding, snowboarding, and wakeboarding. For Evan, family comes before anything else, and he attributes his success and growth almost entirely to being raised in an extremely eclectic, multi-cultural family.
