The Top 5 Unusual Ways to Land an Interview

Tired of sending out resumes and never hearing back? Maybe it's time to try a new
approach.

Check out these five unusual methods to landing an interview:

Start an online campaign

Remember Matthew Epstein, the man behind the “Google, please hire me” online
campaign? His premise was simple: create buzz and draw attention to himself. This
buzz and attention would then lead mega-giant Google to notice his efforts, therefore
resulting in a job interview.

Though Epstein didn’t end up at Google, he had the right idea. When you draw
attention to your accomplishments in an unusual way, you stand out. One way to
capture this type of attention and highlight why you deserve a job interview is through
an online campaign.

You can do a number of things to create an online campaign. Like Epstein, you can
develop a website that houses your accomplishments, recommendations, and plans for
the future. You can also use the power of social media and your network to do the
talking for you. Whatever method you chose, ensure your “it” factor is highlighted,
such as awards you’ve won or a stacked resume. You’ll be memorable in the eyes of
the organization when you do so.

Create an inside relationship

It’s always better to know someone on the inside. From the CEO’s assistant to the HR
Director, having an internal referral may be your golden ticket to an interview.

If you already know someone, make use of that connection. When you start at that
new job, and do the job well, the person who recommended you will look good for
making the introduction.

If you don’t already know someone, making a connection can be easier than you
think.

To develop this inside relationship, identify people who are in the best position to
help you. Next, come up with a compelling reason to make a connection. For
example, connect with an assistant by mentioning you want to learn more about the
company. Finally when you are in these initial conversations, ask for advice, not for a
job. You’ll find people are willing you to help after the relationship is established.

Send a plan before they ask for it

It’s not a requirement to do a lot of legwork before an interview. However, showing
you’re already thinking like an employee is never a bad thing. Demonstrate your
abilities by sending your vision or plan for the position. This plan doesn’t have to be
incredibly detailed, either. It just has to explain your insight into current company
operations and what you would do to improve them. This shows how you can make
the organization better before it’s even required to do so.
Promote them
As with the last point, you’re not required to do anything before you get hired.
However, if you do nothing you won’t have differentiated yourself from the
competition. Most organizations want to know what you can do for them -- what your
ROI will be. You can improve that ROI by promoting them before you even start the
job. Promote them through your social networks, starting conversations on forums, or
mentioning the company in networking events not only creates buzz, but also creates
a name for yourself. Advocating for the organization when it’s not required also
shows your admiration and enthusiasm for the position.

Suggest a meeting
Sometimes all you need is a 30-minute meeting to prove yourself. Why not suggest
one? Rather than ask for a formal interview, simply request a sit-down conversation.

Sitting down with a member of the organization can do a few things. First, it creates a
relationship. Second, it gives you a chance to pitch yourself outside of your
competition. Since the job search process can sometimes turn candidates into just a
resume or a number, an in-person meeting puts you on the same level as a standing
employee. Even if there currently isn’t an opening, initiating a meeting shows your
interest in the company, which may bode well for you in the future.

In today’s job market, you should embrace every opportunity to stand out from your
peers. Don’t simply do what’s required. Invest the time to differentiate yourself

By considering your audience first and selecting the appropriate tactic, you can use
these unusual yet efficient methods to obtain an interview and fly past the competition
because you took an unconventional route to success.

6 Tips for Successful Onboarding

I landed a new job! Now what do I do?

Today marked the 57th Presidential Inauguration. During the day’s festivities, we saw
the President get sworn in and we listened as he addressed the nation and spoke about
his plans for the future. Obama is (re-)starting his job as president.

When you think about it, a president’s new term is not much different than an
executive beginning a new gig. It’s your first day all over again. After you’ve spent a
few weeks meeting with different colleagues and learning the ‘state of the union,’ so
to speak, you’ll share your vision for the future. And people will be watching and
judging your every move.

We all know how challenging and stressful the job search can be, especially in this
job market. You worked hard, aced the interview, and finally (!) landed a job that
makes you happy. No more worries, right?

Wrong.
I hate to break it to you, but landing the job is only half the battle. Now it’s time to
think about what you need to do to set yourself up for success in the long-run.  Think
of your first 90 days on the job as an extension of the interview process. The company
is still feeling you out to make sure you’re the right person for the job, and you’re still
making sure this is the right place for you. It’s no coincidence that most third-party
recruiters don’t get paid out for placing a professional until after they’ve crossed the
90-day mark in their new job.

Below I’ve listed out six tips to use, from the moment you give notice to your current
employer through your first few months with your new employer, to ensure a
successful onboarding.

Before Your First Day

o Don’t burn bridges. Whether your job has been a slice of heaven or a
personal hell, act the part of the model employee during your final
days in the office. Keep all communication (including your resignation
letter) professional and thoughtful. Do what you can to ease the
transition for the colleagues you’re leaving behind. It’s a small world,
and you never know when your paths may cross in the future.

o Learn more. Before your job begins, continue learning as much as

you can about the organization and its industry. Ask for access to
information related to your new role, including organizational charts. If
possible, set up time to meet with new associates before your start date
to get those introductory meetings out of the way.

During Your First Week

o Make friends. There’s more to know about a company than what

you’ll find in the employee handbook. Have ongoing conversations
with your manager and colleagues to learn the unofficial rules,
company politics and corporate culture. Befriend a co-worker who can
help translate the organization’s own terminology and inside jokes so
you can quickly get up to speed.

o Set expectations. Request a meeting with your new manager to learn

what is expected of you over the first 30, 60 and 90 days on the job. If
you’re successful during these time periods, what will you have
learned or accomplished? Use this information to set future goals for
yourself. 

Your First Month

o Demonstrate and document. You discussed your strengths during the

interview process – now it’s time to put those skills to work! Take
charge of a project you know you can deliver on, and then make sure
that you do. Record your job successes as soon as you start your new
 role. It will make preparing for your annual review and updating your
resume that much easier in the future.

o Find a mentor. Connect with a senior colleague at your organization

who you admire. A mentor who’s been with the company for a while
will be able to teach you the ins and outs of the place, help you
navigate corporate politics, and introduce you to the right people and
resources to move your career along.

Starting any new job is going to have its highs and lows. Be prepared to feel a little
stupid in those first weeks and get ready to ask a lot of questions. Approach the first
90 days of your new job as an extension of your job search, and utilize these tips to
transition into your new role as smoothly and successfully as possible.

10 On Ramps to Successful Onboarding

Set yourself up for success at your new job — even before your first day
there.

You don't just start a new job these days; you onboard. TheLadders solicited advice
from career development and HR experts on the best ways to maximize those first
days and months in a new position. Here are 10 onramps to successful onboarding.

1. Don't wait for the first day. The first steps to success in a new job begin before
the first day, said Ian Ide, a partner in the Technology Division of Winter, Wyman.
"After accepting an offer you should speak directly with all appropriate parties,
including both the hiring manager and human resources," he said. "During these calls,
you should convey your excitement and enthusiasm for your new role.“

2. Make early connections on social media. Social-networking sites such as

LinkedIn provide an opportunity to connect with members of your new organization
even before you walk through the door, experts said. As with anything social,
however, take care to put your best professional foot forward and ensure that those
pictures of your hard-partying college days have long been expunged from any of
your online profiles.

3. Create a solid 30-/60-/90-day plan. Working with your new manager, map out a
course to follow during your initiation into the company, said Jennifer Remis, a senior
learning associate at Vistaprint. Set goals with measurable benchmarks for success for
one, two and three months on the job. These goals should be developed within the
framework of overall business goals and informed by ongoing meetings with key
colleagues. "Be clear on how your success will be measured so that you'll know
where, and on what, to focus your attention immediately and over the longer term,"
added Roy Cohen, author of "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide."

4. Identify key resources and how to access them. Cohen said it's important to
identify the resources you must have to do your job. They could be as simple as office
supplies or getting your phone connected to a more significant investment such as
access to technology. The sooner you acquire basic equipment, the faster you can
contribute — and it’s also an opportunity to get to know the support team at your new
job.

5. Develop relationships with the go-to people within the organization. Speaking
of support, there are always individuals within any company that can help you get
things done because of their institutional knowledge or their relationships with key
people within the organization, said Dianne Shaddock Austin, principal, Easy Small
Business HR. Find out who those people are and develop a relationship with them.
"These are the people that can help you in a pinch," she added, "whether it's the
receptionist or the person in the mailroom."

6. Seek opportunities to make a difference. While distinguishing yourself as the

friendly, hard-working new guy, scour the landscape for the best place to make the
greatest changes for the better, suggested Sean O'Neil, principal, One to One
Leadership. "Maybe the company lacks a desirable expertise that you have or could
acquire," he said. "Perhaps there's a new product idea or vertical market to attack. Just
keep eyes and ears peeled. Once your first 30 days over, just being nice and
omnipresent won't cut the mustard. You're going to need to bring real value."

7. Bring a little humility to the new job. While you want to make an impression, it's
important for the new guy to temper enthusiasm with a little humility and a show of
respect for the people and events that have preceded him. Vivian Scott, author of
"Conflict Resolution at Work for Dummies," suggests asking questions that start with
a statement of appreciation for current employees. She added that if you find someone
is upset with you, apologize even if you don't think you should have to. "Regardless
of what you might understand about the political climate, you never really know
who's who or who might end up being your boss," she said.

8. Course-correct when necessary. Make sure to check in every week or two with
your hiring manager to course-correct in any areas where she sees you veering off
track, recommended Elene Cafasso, an executive coach at Enerpace. "Use these
meetings to also renegotiate deliverables and manage expectations as you learn more
from your stakeholders," she added. "Don't be afraid to ask for your manager's
assistance when needed."

9. Keep a positive attitude. Any new position is bound to incur some minor
disappointments as well as pleasant surprises, said Winter, Wyman's Ide. "The first
few weeks involve a transition from the excitement of the offer and interview process
to the reality of the role," he said. "Displaying energy and enthusiasm during this
period will go a long way toward making a positive impression with all of your
colleagues."

10. Give yourself a break. Starting a new job is high on the stress meter. Remember
that everyone knows you are new, and that no one (hopefully) expects perfection right
out of the gate. And know that your second 90 days are sure to be more comfortable
than the first.