How to think outside of the box with your job search

This picture summarizes how many candidates approach their job search, especially at the outset.  They have likely read about some prescribed methodologies online and will move forward conservatively so that they do not break any "rules" early on.  While there are some benefits to this, I want to challenge the idea of going along with the crowd and show the benefits of thinking creatively with your job search.

First of all, think of every day like it is the day you could meet your new boss.  While the chances of this may seem quite slim, I have personally experienced it and benefited greatly.  Exactly ten years ago I started my new job with Capstone.  My boss reminded me of one of our first meetings when I was the insurance broker for Capstone as it opened its doors eleven years ago.  I brought doughnuts to that meeting and he liked the personal touch.  Simple, yet effective.  

Secondly, connect with people that might be impactful for your search.  As the world gets smaller and smaller each day that you meet more people, it is valuable to know who knows who in that sense.  You may connect with someone today at a networking event, a LinkedIn group, an industry-related convention, or any other number of places that could become a co-worker, boss, or ally in a job search.  Be memorable in those meetings as it could be a tipping point later on in an interview process.

Lastly, think like a child.  All three of my own children are fairly shy, but there is no stranger in their world.  If you give them five minutes to warm up to anyone they meet, they will quickly chat up a storm and share details of their day or recent past memories.  Very seldom is it something negative.  It is usually related to something fun we did as a family, a recent summer vacation, a fun story about a friend, or a general happy thought.  Far too often candidates are guarded and don't want to make a personal connection during a job search.  While you don't want to go overboard listing forty hobbies on your resume, these small details can make a good impression that could lead to your next job.

Bottom line is that once you stop listening to others telling you what NOT to do during a job search, the sky is the limit on what you CAN do.

What experiences do you have from a previous or current job search that were "out of the box"??