Unusual Job Search Strategies for College Grads

You’re a recent college grad and you’ve tried everything to get a job—all the usual stuff: cover letters, resumes, networking, college career center, job boards, the works. Still no phone call. No interview. Zip. Nada. What to do? Time to pull out all the stops and go unconventional.

Jeffrey G. Allen, author of "Instant Interviews: 101 Ways to Get the Best Job of Your Life," advises job seekers to go to a Starbucks or gym where managers work out and ask them about their business, listening to their needs, and offering solutions to any problems. Some other tactics that have worked include:

Sandwich Boards

It’s been done. It’s a bit humiliating (especially if your friends who have jobs see you), but heck, it’s worked for some. A spin-off on the sandwich board is to don a t-shirt printed with your website and contact information. Others have landed a few interviews by wearing a shirt with their resume on the front and cover letter on the back. Some have even gone so far as to print their plea for a job and contact info on cocktail napkins at busy corporate watering holes.

Subway Posters, Bus Bench Billboards

This may set you back a few bucks, but some have had success with this “off-the-wall” technique. Contact the billboard or poster company and ask for their demographics—you want lots of high-end corporate traffic. Look at what’s being advertised there now. If it’s high end office equipment, financial services, fancy cars and trips to Europe, you’ll get the right “eyeballs” for your pitch. Be brief and to the point. A quick glance is all you get—so the headline should drive home your key point: College Grad Needs a Job.

Online Ads

Similar guidelines to those mentioned above. Look for sites that appeal to your demographic. Example: If you’re looking for a tech job, place a small ad with an office equipment site.

YouTube Videos

Short and concise. Have your film school or photography buddy set up the lighting and audio. Dress to impress. Rehearse up the kazoo.  Be alert, energetic, confident. Stress your best qualifications. And be sure to end with your contact info and best time to call.

Mixed Bag

The results of a CareerBuilder survey featured in an AolJobs article by Barbara Safani noted that almost 22 percent of hiring managers reported seeing more job seekers resorting to unusual job search strategies. Some of the more creative tactics include:

• Presenting a DVD that includes a recommendation from your former boss.
• Explaining, in the cover letter, how to solve a tech issue the prospective employer was struggling with.
• Printing business cards with the prospective employer’s logo accompanied by a brochure about your qualifications.
• Writing a business plan for one of the prospective employer’s products.
• Creating a complete graphics portfolio on the company’s brand.

Tried everything and still no job? You can try any or all of the above. Or you can wait tables and live with mom and dad.

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