The MicroTrain Blog

Feeling like your job search is the same old routine day in and day out? Spending countless hours in front of your computer reading job postings and applying on employer sites can be daunting. These 5 job search ideas can revitalize your pursuit of gainful employment.

1.Attend Career Fairs – these events not only provide you with exposure to companies that are hiring, but it also allows you to practice your 30 second elevator pitch. It pays to do a little research prior to attending a career fair. Successful job seekers will review the listing of employers and visit company websites for open positions and job descriptions. Demonstrating knowledge about the company and position adds value to your 30 second pitch and makes it easier for employers to remember your qualifications. The IDES website http://www.ides.illinois.gov/Pages/EventsandWorkshops.aspx. is a useful resource for finding local career fairs.

2.Become a Volunteer – aside from the sense of fulfillment you receive, volunteering can support your job skills by keeping active in the workforce. A good example would be an out of work accountant who can donate time by reviewing tax returns from January through April. Volunteer opportunities are endless. The key is to find organizations where you can utilize your prominent job skills and that allow you to network with people who can connect you with employers. Visit https://www.volunteermatch.org/ for a listing of opportunities.

3.Join a Club – I’m not talking about a gym membership, although that too has benefits. A club, in this sense, refers to a group of people who meet for a common purpose. It could be as simple as a book club or, at a higher level, an organization such as Toastmasters International. Pick a club that allows you to network and refines your skills. If you have never joined a club and need ideas, a good place to look is a site called Meetup. http://www.meetup.com

4.Change your Environment – Okay, this is not a job search idea per se; however, there is a lot that can be said about changing your environment. A lot of job seekers take comfort in their own home and may never step one foot outside their door. The problem with this scenario is that finding work could take as long as 6 months and never changing your environment can bring you down. If you own a laptop go to places like coffees shops or even the library. Getting out of the house and being around other people can be uplifting and break up your normal job search routine.    

5.Schedule an Informational Interview –these types of interviews are designed to gain information about a specific company and/or position of interest and not intended as a primary means of finding employment, yet they are useful as a job search strategy because you are networking with professionals who can provide referrals. The interview process itself is beneficial as it helps you refine your interview skills. Include this strategy to break the monotony that sometimes occurs with job hunting. 

Incorporating at least one of these ideas into your repertoire will diversify your search and lead to more opportunities. The ultimate goal is to get hired, but the added value these ideas bring is that they help increase your network. Good luck!