Thursday, April 18, 2013

Don’t be a Gorilla, Use Guerilla Marketing

With the complexity of finding the proper career, it is very important to know how to market one’s self. Many job seekers are often like Gorillas, being impulsive and impatient. When job seeking, it is very important not to act like a Gorilla, but use Guerilla Marketing!  Properly using Guerilla Marketing can allow you to stand out for that next career opportunity. Before you start your job search, think of the ways to take control and stand out.

·“Give your resume and cover letter a facelift.” Discuss your biggest achievements and what makes you different from the other job hunters applying for this position. Try and think outside of the box when it comes to creating your resume and cover letter. “You may very well turn a head or two.”

·“Think in terms of targeted networking.” Relying on traditional networking can place too much power in the hands of others. “Take control and think about approaching networking in a whole new way. Identify exactly who you want to contact within the company, whether a manager, human resources director or department head.” Then, scoop up as much information regarding the company and the hiring person you are targeting. “A personal letter to the hiring manager, including a request to meet with him or her – even casually over a quick cup of coffee – may be just what you need to get your foot in the front door.”

·“Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone. So many of us rely on email exclusively, which can be a mistake when the inboxes of hiring managers are already inundated with resumes. Instead of taking the standard route and running the risk of having your resume fall between the cracks, make a phone call. Instead of presenting yourself as just another job candidate searching for a position, consider what you have to offer the company and look for any opportunity to humbly and respectfully present your ideas.”

·“Build relationships using social media. Don’t wait until you are out of work and looking for a job to begin building a professional network. Use social media platforms, such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to communicate with other professionals like you.” There is nothing easier than networking from the comfort of home. “This could put you at a distinct advantage when it comes to landing your next job.”

·Find contacts in unexpected places. This can be done by reading newspapers, industry journals, blogs, and newsletters to get the latest news in your profession. “In doing so, you may even snag a valuable contact. If you read something interesting, don’t hesitate to contact the author of the article, the person featured in the article interview, resources the article directs you to or even source citations that may be named in the article. Take full advantage of career resource centers like this because most of them are well connected to industry contacts.”

“Guerilla Marketing is all about shifting the power from others to you. Have confidence in yourself and your ability to sell yourself by your unique set of skills and talents. You are a self-branding superstar; now go make a name for yourself!” Gorillas communicate in a variety of ways, including whimpering, chest thumping, grunting and howling. Don’t let that be you in your next job seeking experience!



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