To beat the job hunting pool, you'll have to be creative, take the risks and cleverly target your potential employers.

We bet that anyone who’s had to find a job during a bad economy can tell of the hardships that come with attempting to find a job they want – let alone any job. If you’re happily employed, you’re probably crossing your fingers in the hope that you never have to lose your job. But if you’re among those who can tell a tale or two, you’re probably wondering if you’ll ever land the job of your dreams.

In either case, there are ways to stand out from the rest and boost your chance of getting a job in the madness.

Think outside the “traditional CV” box

If you’re serious about getting a job, you need to stand out from the rest. There are new and innovative strategies you can use in order to grab an employer’s attention. For example, you can create a website or a video that communicates who you are, what you do, and what makes you the right fit for the position and company. One way to ensure your job search lands straight in the hands of those you’re targeting is to create an ad campaign using Facebook Ads or Google Ads.  

Top tip: Employers aren’t going to jump at the sight of your CV. What they are interested in knowing is what you have to offer, not what you hope to gain. So make sure you quantify your accomplishments and emphasize what you have done. Showcasing your understanding for the industry lingo will work in your favour.

Read: Remove this from your CV

Take the leap

LinkedIn, Who’s Who and Facebook (yes, Facebook too), are a great way to grow your contact base. But unless you use these social media platforms wisely, your efforts may go unnoticed, especially during distressed economic times.

What can work though is getting in from the ground level. Taking up temporary work is a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers. Although working for peanuts may not feel so great, it will be easier to work your way up once you get your foot in the door. Even if you’re not in the job for the long haul, you’ll at least be able to add the experience in your CV.

Be realistic

Remaining optimistic is always a good thing, and so it should be when you’re searching for your dream job. At the same time though you need to understand that you may not get the title or pay you’re after, especially when employees with the required experience and qualifications are being laid off.

Competition for the best jobs is real. To get the job you want, you’ll have to keep an open mind and consider jobs at all levels, especially if you’ve been out of the game for a while now. Some companies will require you to start at the entry-level.

Finally, and probably most importantly, pay attention to your soft skills. Just being good at your trade won’t cut it. You need to develop your inner self too; your leadership, communication and teamwork, as well as your emotional intelligence. Employers will value your IQ as much as your emotional intelligence. So make sure that you can connect with people on both a professional and personal level.

Of course it’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, but by thinking differently to how other job seekers think, can increase your chances of finding that prized job.

Good luck!