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!

http://www.creativeguerrillamarketing.com/guerrilla-marketing/5-ways-to-market-yourself-in-the-workforce-2/

 trevor.friel@mattressfirm.com

Interview or Audition?

Imagine yourself suffering from a heartbreaking stuttering disorder. You have never managed a clear word and it’s difficult to get a single sentence out to your loved ones. Making friends and being bullied has been a common trend all through your life but little do they know you have a gift that you are sure no one will ever discover about you due to your inabilities. Then your family encourages you to audition for American Idol to broadcast your secret singing voice to all of America and several months later your life has changed and you have made it to the top ten contestants for 2013 American Idol.

 

One of my guilty pleasures is to watch all of the reality sing-off competition shows. I know it seems kind of corny, but I am always drawn to the amazing talents of the average American (and then the ones who are obviously just giving a humorous or crazy element to the show to get on TV.) During the audition episodes of American Idol, I found myself and fellow American Idol viewers, being captivated by the stories behind some of the singers. Media talked about these stories in newscasts and social media drawing attention to the show. Coworkers, family and friends were even talking about some of these stories casually at gatherings. I began thinking that it’s the personal stories that keep the ratings high and are what keeps people watching this show after ten years. Each person’s unique story gives the audience a reason to root for that particular person to do well in the competition, watching them until the end. When making their final decision, even the judges take both their stories and their talent into consideration when voting who should move on to the next round.

 

As a recruiter, I began to relate this to the interview process. The job seekers that tend to tell their stories in interviews through examples, small talk, answers to their interview questions or simply their personality, tend to leave a stamp on the employer’s mind just like it does to the viewers and judges in American Idol. If job seekers gave themselves a chance to express their true and honest self, they wouldn’t get lost in the sea of applicants. It’s obvious when people are giving you scripted or false answers just to get through the interview. But it’s the candidates that are truly themselves and give you something to remember them by that actually go farther and through to the end.

 

The one thing to remember here is, you only have one shot to let your audience know the real you. So, be yourself by telling your story or using stories of your past to let people understand why you have a passion for seeking out a new opportunity. It’s almost certain that they will want to see you through to the end. Your story is what will set you apart from others, build your fan base and pass you onto to the next round or chapter of your life.


ashley.gonzales@mattressfirm.com