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We all know the process that most people follow to look for jobs, but we've also all heard the story of the marketing genius who sent Nike a resume shaped like a shoe in a shoe-box and got the job despite his lack of experience. While the fact is that the overwhelming majority of people land jobs using traditional tactics, those that do make the clever play and land a job have an immense head start, because they have already impressed the boss!

So what can you do that won't make you seem like a whacko, but will still differentiate you from the pack? Well, the really out there ideas are very industry specific, and if I knew the secrets to all of them, I'd have a better job myself! But there are some slightly off the beaten track methods that you can use that can give you an opportunity where otherwise there might not be one.

First, eagerness is almost never knocked when job-hunting. Go to whatever lengths necessary to sell yourself as a candidate, particularly for a job that you have been deemed unqualified for. Energy makes up for experience in many cases. But everyone writes about how motivated and energetic they are on their resume, so that's certainly not enough. How to show it, particularly to a company that hasn't called you back?

Put yourself in a little jeopardy to get this door open. Find out who is making the decisions, not the recruiter making the phone call, but the human resources manager. Dig deep and make a connection. If you've got an address, put on a suit and show up at the door uninvited. You may not get the interview (though you may), but you'll certainly make an impression. Knock down some doors, and don't take no for an answer. The worst thing that happens is that you annoy the hiring manager and don't get the job, the one that you weren't going to get interviewed for anyway.

The absolute best, but under-utilized, method of landing a great job is to have a cheerleader sell you to the company. The network contact has long been a standard, but what if you don't know anybody at the dream job? Well, it is time to make some connections. If you've got a bit of time to invest, knock on the door until you meet someone involved in the process. Maybe not the hiring manager, but a clerk or secretary or recruiter. Anyone who has the ear of the hiring manager. Do something nice for them, buy them flowers or candy or a drink at the bar down the street. You don't need to be deceptive, let them know that you really want the job and you believe that person could help you get it. If you are sincere and friendly, chances are that you will make a friend, and a friend at your dream company is the best asset you can have.

None of this is ground-breaking stuff, I know, but believe me when I say that getting the door open is more than half the battle. If you can't seal the deal at the interview, then you've wasted your time in any case. But getting that interview is often the hardest part. Go to extremes to get that interview. In the majority of cases, your devotion and dedication will be rewarded, at least with a token interview. Once you get there, the rest is up to you!

Learn more about this author, Benjamin Lomax.
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