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December 21, 2009

Job Search Tip of the Week – 12/7 – Getting Creative

Filed under: Job Seekers, Tip of the Week — Kim B @ 12:22 pm

Getting Creative

Desperate times call for creative measures. If you’ve been looking for a position for longer than 2 months it’s time to start to get creative. Think outside the box. It’s time to take your talents and hobbies and start to put them to your own use.

Barter – Where do you need help and what can you do to help? For example, if you need career coaching – talk to a career coach about bartering for their services. Many career coaches need help getting their books in order before the end of the year. If you’re an excellent bookkeeper – contact them all and trade for services. If you’re good at cleaning, many individuals are throwing holiday parties or are having company come in from out of town. Contact individuals who can assist you in your search and see if you can trade cleaning their house in exchange for their help. Can you build websites? Can you take pictures for websites? Can you organize an office? Think about your talents and interests and negotiate a deal on your behalf!

Odd Jobs – If you need a little extra money this month, think about little odd jobs that you can do. Talk to your friends about babysitting their children while they go to a company holiday party. Offer to gift wrap presents for a dollar a package.

Here’s an idea that came to me that you might use – offer to help people find bargains on their Christmas Gifts. For example, if someone is planning to puchase a Wii for Christmas. Wii’s retail at $199 a piece. However, with a little extra time you may be able to help them find the same Wii on Craigslist for $100. Have them pay you 50% of whatever you save them with bargain shopping. Everyone is looking to save money right now.

Each of you has your own set of skills. Keep sharp on your skills by being willing to get creative in how you demonstrate those skills. Think about the things you would normally pay for and barter for them. If you can figure out how to barter for phone service, internet service or mortgage payments – let me know!