Land a Job Without Applying Online!

The truth about the system and should you still follow old techniques in 2020!

As a Career Strategist, I have been asked this question many times.

Do I need the best Resume and Cover Letter to get a job?

Though, the question is revolving around — what makes a Resume stand out, and what is the SO called “Best” Resume?

Being in Digital Age, information is ever quick to find at your finger tips. THE problem with this is; how do you know which source to look and how do you validate the credibility of the information. Especially, in times like today, when all you want to know is ONE straight answer!

You see… everyone thinks they know the answer! Let me walk you into some secret — there is NO one straight answer. Just like in life, there are your certain ‘grey’ areas. The good news is, I can share with you the most effective way of finding a job without having to experience the daunting and traditional process ever again.

If you want to know more about “How To Write An Effective Resume” — I will have the details in another article. Today, we will be discussing how to get yourself ahead without following the 90% + if not more, candidates that apply for jobs.

Selection Criteria

It is okay to be picky to a certain degree on what job you want, this enables you to lift-up your confidence. [Minus the arrogance]

Firstly, I must point out the obvious that not many people do. When looking for a job, how deep do you dive in to researching, filtering and reviewing before you decide to join the busy queue.

Many people know that HR and Recruiters do exactly that. They scan, filter and research their potential candidates until they are confident that the person is the right fit before they hire them — AND there should be no different to how you apply yourself.

Firstly, identify your ideal career. Then break it down to classifications and requirements.

For example, you want to be an accountant…sure. Now determine the following.

1. What industry you are likely to find yourself enjoying or see value in your proposition and their offering?
2. What status of employment suits you best; Full Time, Part-time, Casual, Seasonal, etc.
3. The MUST haves — do you require the workplace to be close to home OR accept a maximum travel of 45 minutes one way? Facilities, parking, onsite food/ restaurants, gym. I think you get the point
4. Working environment — determining the culture, incentives/recognition and support
5. Salary expectation, always good to initiative with an agreeable figure in mind that is realistic [through research] to present your offerings.
6. Social and network opportunities — some find this important, how about you?

I am sure there are few more you can add, the above are just a guide to help you trigger your thoughts and get into the process of identifying the job to suit yourself.

Be Committed

“Commitment is an Act, not a word” By Jean-Paul Sartre

I have heard many people say out loud, “I’ll just give it a try and if it doesn’t work then it’s not for me” — and guaranteed if you hold onto that attitude, nothing will see depth in your career or personal life.

Put 100% commitment and heart into whatever you decide to pursue and for the job. At least, if you don’t want to apply the steps I am sharing with you. Then read about the companies before you ‘hit’ apply! You are only doing yourself a favour.

Commitment also has another role; that is, directly linked to your mindset and oneself esteem. And for those that don’t know, I am only after 2 words.

1. Attitude
2. Deadline

When I speak of attitude, I refer to you — as a person towards life in general. Do you find yourself emotional, being moody at ease or you are opposite and very cheery and happy. Point of the matter is Attitude can make or break your entry.

Impact — Not having the right attitude can share many traits; negativity, positivity, honesty, accountability and even one’s desperation.

Then we have deadline, with every commitment, there needs to be a clear finish or accomplishment. Suggesting, you have figured out a date, time and day that you will have a job by. No excuses!

The Process

“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” ― Albert Einstein

Assuming you played your cards right — you should find yourself enjoying a great sense of achievement and the feeling of differences.

Now, what I am about to share with you, to some, it may just click and for others — will require you being open and willingness to move out of your comfort zone of knowing and action.

The process works and is very simple. Certainly has for me and many of my clients in all types of jobs. So I know it will work for you!

So what you need to do is first, compile a list of companies that are hiring and not hiring that would be open to your skillset or have a requirement for that sort of position.

Let’s just say you found 20 companies, that is great! Now you will use LinkedIn, phone calls and Google to identify the appropriate contact person, HR and or Recruiter. This is where it gets exciting, as the admin is now out of the way.

Then you will practise your perfect pitch — and contact every single person. The tip is to not discuss about resume or the application process and aim for an interview; face to face.

For those that don’t know, your perfect pitch is a brief statement that outlines who you are, what you do and more importantly; how you can help them solve their issues. The idea is that, if they can understand you easily; you have a higher chance to move to the next stage of asking the question.

If you want to know more about “Practising my Perfect Pitch” and scripts, I will have a separate article, otherwise it will just get too long.

Always present an offer

“If you don’t ask, you don’t get” — Stevie Wonder

In this case, we want to proceed to the next round of interview. That is, face to face or online conference, depending on the situation.

Let’s imagine that you were successful in keeping the HR on the phone for sometime now, and believe you have created curiosity or interest. The trick is to immediately make out as if you are busy and need to step out to a client meeting [example] and what you will do is to propose a meeting.

Always present with 2 options —

Are you a morning or afternoon person?

Would Tuesday or Thursday suit?

If you managed to secure a face to face, congratulations! I would go further to encourage to meet outside their office, ideally in a cafe setting. Why?

Get them out of their working space, clear their head about work and enable you to understand and build further rapport with this person. The greater the connection the higher chance of being hired.

HR’s only hire people they like… not dislike [depends on the role, and most of the times]

But what if they ask about the resume?

They most likely will, and this is where you have to be prompt to advise them that you will be happy to bring it with you. If it’s a must to apply, you can tell them that you will apply and will still see them.

Building rapport

The idea is to have that instant connection to that person when you speak with them on the phone. Unfortunately this is something cannot be taught and is an experience you have to go through. The more calls you make, the better you understand.

Even if you had a crack at discussing religion, festivals or cultural traditions from your research. It will start the ground running smoother than just saying — I am looking for a job as

Well, I hope you guys enjoyed the short article and if there is anything you don’t understand need help with. Be sure to drop me a line.

Thank you and Peace.