Should you adopt a more creative approach to job seeking? If your current job seeking strategy is not yielding good results, being more creative in job seeking is something you might consider.

The creative job seeker is pro-active and tries other methods of getting the job rather than just waiting on employers to advertise. Yes, the creative job seeker follows up on interesting job adverts and makes applications for them - but she/he does this as part of a larger, more diverse action plan.

Watching out for adverts and applying to recruiters are viewed as passive and reactionary activities. The creative job seeker prefers to dedicate as much of her/his time as possible to pro-active approaches.

The creative job seeker prefers pro-active approaches because they open up opportunities that usually involve less competitive interviewing and more flexible employment working arrangements. Here we provide tips on how to become more creative in job seeking.

Do Lots of Talking

Research the area in which you would like to work. Chat informally with those who already work in that area. What did these people do differently to help them get their position? Take note of their career path and of the job seeking approaches that they used.

Seek Support

Let your friends, relatives and former colleagues know that you are looking for work. Be clear with them about what you are looking for. Have your CV ready if they mention possible opportunities. Act upon any introductions they may tell you about.

Be Curious

Be interested in the area of law that you work in and in aligned areas. Try and understand how other solicitors who have gone before you have achieved success. Consider where things are likely to go in your area of law in the future. Employers respond to enthusiasm almost as positively as they do to relevant experience.

Carefully Read Adverts

Do not take job adverts at face value. Look for ideas, information and contacts within them. For example, is it likely that the organisation will be looking for more staff in the future? Are there any noticeable patterns emerging among job adverts?

Rank Employers

Seek out employers enjoying success and innovative organisations. Do these employers offer better prospects for career advancement? Are there niche sectors emerging that especially interest you?

Know Your Values

Understand your personal and work-related values. Outline these to potential employers. Tell them also about the related worth that you can bring to their organisation. Be aware of your own brand and aspirations and use these as your guiding compass.

Make Speculative Approaches

If you identify an employer who interests you, contact them and let them know that you are interested in them and why. Think about where big opportunities will emerge in the future and target employers involved in the area. Talk to them now rather than waiting for jobs to be advertised.