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Unusual tactics to get the job

By Helen Beckett

It can pay to be proactive when it comes to looking for a job and an original approach could yield unexpected opportunities.

At the heart of any successful job-hunting campaign is a strong network and a willingness to be proactive. “Word of mouth works,” says Harry Freedman, managing director of Career Energy. “An employer will only advertise if it can’t fill a job any other way.”

So, now you know that employers want to meet you, you need to pick the right tactic for the right job.

Get a job in a restaurant or bar
Working in a restaurant frequented by employees in the industry you aspire to is a great way of meeting people who can give you a leg up. Don’t ask for a job directly but keep your ears open to find out about openings and what’s hot in the sector. Express your interest and show you know what’s going on. Karen Wilde used this tactic to land her job as marketing manager for an environmental company.

Chat on trains and planes
A director of a marketing agency invited someone to interview who had struck up a conversation with him on the train. The recruit went on to become a senior account manager. “His initiative was impressive. He could have asked for a business card and written to us, but he seized the moment.”

Networking can take place at a relevant industry function, online or at a bus stop. The main thing is to take action. If it’s financially viable, go to meet prospective employers; that approach can also pay rich dividends.

A British banker who wanted to get into the film finance industry flew to the West Coast of America for a series of 12 meetings he’d organised. Three of the meetings turned into opportunities and he accepted a job ten days later.

Advertise yourself
Most employers read the job sections of the trade press, so one enterprising candidate placed an ad, listing his strengths. This advertisement jumped out at prospective employers who picked up on the candidate and his availability, says a recruitment executive. “It’s a creative approach that gives the candidate a competitive advantage.”

An MBA student with a passion for flying planes wrote a business plan for an independent airline. The venture capital company put the plan in the drawer, but called a year later offering him the chance to run a feeder airline being operated by Caledonian Airlines.

Work for nothing
Sarah Williams worked in administration for the Welsh Government, but winning a television quiz show called Jet Set gave her a taste for a different job and life. “I kept in touch with the presenter and eventually got some work experience with the production company. I spent two weeks organising contestants and hospitality.” The investment paid off and Sarah now works as a PA and administrator for the production company.

Sometimes the offer of working for free is enough to clinch the job. Karan Bilimoria, founder of the multimillion pound Cobra Beer company, advertised for two salesmen when he was still operating from a basement in Fulham and doing deliveries in a 2CV. One candidate arrived after the appointments had been made and begged for the job. He even offered to work for free. Bilimoria recognised quality and dedication when he saw it and hired him. The candidate went on to become a director and own one third of the company.

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