One of the wisest things you will do in your job search is learn the best non-traditional job search methods that fit your particular goals.
One method (and it happens to be my favorite – read on to find out why) is finding and following up on what I like to call corporate growth opportunities.
Growth opportunities are windows when a company is experiencing some form of growth. These can include moves, expansions, launching new products or services, mergers or acquisitions, awards and new rounds of venture capital funding, just to name a few.
Because of the fact that in so many cases when a company is experiencing a major change and/or growth there is a hiring need, it is truly a perfect time for YOU to make an introduction!
A few of the benefits you will enjoy when you capitalize on growth opportunities are:
- You set the pace for leadership and control vs. answering an ad, which positions you as the less desirable, passive/receiver.
- You maximize your leverage, options and opportunities in your industry of choice. In other words, you are in control.
- You are introducing yourself at a time when that company may be investing considerable sums of money to find great talent (like YOU!).
- You have little or no competition.
- You are putting the focus on THEM and their particular situation – highly flattering to the decision maker who you are connecting with – which makes you look fantastic.
Sounds great right? Believe me, it is! And it’s easy to find and follow up on growth opportunities in your specific target market using internet resources including: US Business Journals, Google news alerts, article finders and even associations related to your industry of focus.
Each week you can connect with key decision makers associated with the various growth opportunities that interest you. Send a short value proposition letter and don’t forget to attach a copy of the article and follow up in order to maximize your favorable responses.
This particular method can increase your response rate to 20, 40 and even 60%! Compared to the 1 to 3% response rates you will get through submitting your resume to jobs posted on major job boards there is simply no contest. Learning how to follow up on corporate growth opportunities can easily become your most powerful and effective job search strategy.
