5 Unique Ways to Find Work

Unfortunately, with the current state of the economy, many people are out there job hunting. They're applying for every open position they can find, increasing the competition for available jobs. 

It's important that you stand above the crowd. You have to prove to your prospective employer that hiring you would be adding an asset to their company. 

These suggestions may make finding that job just a bit easier:

1. Social Networking. Internet social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are all the rage. Many people use these sites to chat with long lost friends or find old loves, but they're also great networking places to find employment as well! 

* The idea behind social networks is to build a relationship. That means that you'll want to show-off your value before asking desperately for a job.

* It may not work overnight, but these sites have incredible word of mouth possibilities, so be diligent and keep networking and broadcasting that you're available for work!

2. Offer services for free. Okay, I know what you're thinking: why should you offer services for free when you don't even have a job? Aren't you supposed to be making money with your skills and talents? Yes, but offering your services for free for can actually work in your favor and set you apart from your competition.

* For example, are you a talented childcare professional looking to get your foot in the door of a new day care center? Are you an awesome cook who would love to work in a new restaurant in town?

* Offer to work for them for a week for free. If they're pleased with your work, you may be hired on the spot, or at least when they have their first available opening. 

* The most important thing to remember is you have to be a top notch volunteer for that week. You want them to discover what an asset you could be as a paid employee.

3. Write to prospective employers. Compose a letter to businesses that you're seriously interested in. In the letter, highlight how you'll boost business for the company and discuss what you'd bring to the table. 

* If you can convince them that they're better off with you than without you, then you've won the battle. Make sure the letter is professional, grammatically correct, and confident.

* Your goal is to make others understand why they need you as an employee, not to beg them for a job. There's a big difference, but it's very easy to cross that line, so use good judgment.

4. Do it the old fashioned way. In this generation of faxes and emails, your resume can easily get lost in the shuffle. Something to consider is to dress professionally and hit the pavement. 

* Introduce yourself, shake hands, and hand them a well-prepared resume package.

* Building a relationship with someone is an important part in standing above the crowd. It also allows a manager to put a face to a resume rather than just pick a resume up off the fax machine or out of their email inbox. 

* Though it may take a bit of footwork and perseverance, this may be your perfect way to make an impression when applying for a coveted job.

5. Place an ad in the newspaper or online. When looking for a job, the first place we all tend to go is the help wanted section in the newspaper or on a classifieds website. There we gaze over hundreds of ads and apply to as many as we possibly can.

* Maybe you can turn the tables! This is where you can think outside the box. What about placing your own ad telling prospective employers that you're free to work for them? Highlight your strengths and what position you'll excel at.

* Remember, you're in control. You want prospective employers to pick up the phone and call you - not to skim your ad thinking, "There's another desperate individual begging for work."

Looking for a job today can be challenging, but thinking a bit differently than other job hunters may be all you need to get that position you've been hoping for. Stand out from your competition with these great tips, and be the one who lands the job!