It pays to be proactive when it comes to looking for a job, and an original approach - if appropriate - will get you noticed.

At the heart of any successful job hunting campaign is a strong network and a willingness to be proactive. "Word of mouth works" says Harry Freedman, managing director of Career Energy. "An employer will only advertise if they can't fill a job any other way."

So, now you know that employers want to meet you, it's a question of picking the right tactic for the right job. Read these methods and be inspired.

Get a job in a restaurant or bar
Working in a restaurant frequented by people in the industry you aspire to is a great way of meeting people who can give you a leg up. Don't ask for a job directly but keep your ears open to find out about openings and what's hot in the sector. Express your interest and show you know what's going on. The tactic worked for Karen Wilde who landed her job as Marketing Manager for an environmental company.

Chat on trains and planes
A director of a marketing agency invited someone to interview who struck up a conversation on the train. The recruit went on to become a senior account manager. "His initiative was impressive. He could have asked for a business card and written to us, but he seized the moment."

Networking can take place at a relevant industry function, online or a bus stop. The main thing is to take action. And if its financially viable getting on your bike - or a plane - to meet prospective employers can also pay rich dividends, says Freedman of Career Energy who cites the following case.

Plan an overseas networking trip
A UK banker who wanted to get into the film finance industry flew to the West Coast of the US for a series of 12 meetings he'd organised. Three of the meetings turned into opportunities and he accepted a job ten days later.

Advertise yourself
Most employers read the job sections of the trade press and one enterprising candidate placed an ad, listing his strengths. This advertisement jumped out at prospective employers who picked up on the candidate and their availability, explains a recruitment executive." It's a creative approach that gives the candidate a competitive advantage."

Write a business plan
This story is told by Colin Barrow, visiting fellow at the Cranfield School of Management. An MBA student with a passion for piloting wrote a business plan for an independent airline. The venture capital company put the plan in the drawer but then called a year later with an offer for him to run a feeder airline being operated by Caledonian Airlines.

Work for nothing
Sarah Williams worked in administration for the Welsh government but winning a television quiz show called Jet Set gave her a taste for a different job and life. "I kept in touch with the presenter and eventually got some work experience with the production company, 12 Yard. I spent two weeks organising contestants and hospitality." The investment paid off and Sarah is now the PA and administrator for the production company.

Sometimes the offer of working for free is enough to clinch the job as happened in the case of the salesman and Cobra Beer.

Karan Bilimoria, founder of multi million company Cobra Beer, advertised for two salesmen at a time when he was still operating from a basement in Fulham and doing deliveries in a 2CV. A candidate arrived late after the appointments had been made and begged for the job. The clincher was he offered to work for free. Bilimoria recognised quality when he saw it and hired him. Now he's a director and owns one third of the company.


Herez the Link,
http://jobs.msn.co.uk/MSN/Editorial/Contents/UnusualTactics.html

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