Same job search strategy? Same result? Diversify!

A few weeks ago a friend contacted me and asked if I could help her husband with some job search coaching. His past job search method involved checking Craigslist and a couple other websites on a daily basis. If you're like this individual and using the same job search approach day after day (and if it's yielding the same results), it's time to rethink your strategy.

Get away from your computer and network. Networking is the number one way to find a job, and volunteering is a great way to network and increase your connections. Here are some other ideas: Tag along with a friend to a professional organization. Join local groups. Set up coffee meetings with your friends and former colleagues, or just go to a coffee shop on your own. You never know who you will run into. Get active on LinkedIn groups.

Are you qualified for the jobs for which you are applying? Recently, I've read several discussions from hiring managers and job seekers. Because there are so many applicants for such very few positions, companies have the luxury of being very selective and choosing candidates that meet most (and sometimes all) of their posted job requirements. If you find that you are consistently lacking a specific job requirement, is there a way that you can gain that experience, skill, or education? Sometimes it's as easy as taking a class.

If you need additional experience, one way you can gain this is through volunteering. Check with nonprofits, churches, hospitals, or nursing homes. Tell them your skills and ask if they can utilize your talents. Volunteering can often serve as a gateway for employment, because not only are you gaining experience, but individuals are seeing first-hand your skills and work ethic—and these individuals could provide you with an employment lead! Finally, other ways to gain additional experience (and make money) are to freelance, subcontract, or even start your own small business.

Is your job search strategy yielding the same result? If so, it may be time to consider other approaches, and hopefully the above will spark some new ideas.