How to Sell Your Job Search To Anyone, Anywhere

Think of your job search as a full-on sales pitch: You have the chance to sell your skills, your expertise, and your accomplishments to just about anyone. But, can you do it anywhere, too?

While old relatives, co-workers, or acquaintances may know where you’re living or your hobbies, they may not know details about your career and job search. However, it is possible to sell your job search to just about anyone, anywhere. Take these opportunities, for example:

Parties with friends

You’ll likely find yourself at a friend or colleague’s party at some point this year. While these events may not be the ideal place to discuss work, you can still switch up the conversation to your job search if you’re subtle about it.

For example, let’s say you were at a friend’s birthday party. You can use this opportunity to subtly sell your job search. Find out who will be attending the party and see if anyone shares similar work interests or currently works in your industry. Then, be sure to converse with these people. You can mention your skills and accomplishments, along with the fact that you’re looking for a new job. Since referrals are linked as one top sources of hire, knowing someone on the inside could be the ticket you need.

Family gatherings

Gatherings with your family can be awkward, especially if you’re on the job search. You may feel as if they’re judging you for being unemployed or wanting alternative opportunities. But family gatherings are a great way to sell your job search because your family wants you to succeed. After all, there are no bigger cheerleaders than those who’ve watched you grow.

Although your family may not know too much about your industry, they may know people who do. That’s why it’s important to let as many people as possible know about your job search and skills. Whether you go in-depth about your accomplishments with your cousin or just highlight the fact that you’re looking for work with an uncle, the more people who know about your search, the better.

Work events

Here’s a different scenario: You may already be employed, but looking for a better opportunity. While you may have to more careful at work events, this situation can still work out in your favor.

There are a few ways you can navigate through work events and still sell your job search. First, learn all you can from presentation speakers, which includes approaching them later and establishing a level of communication. This helps you to land a job connection who may be able to aid you in your search.

In addition, if you’re speaking with someone outside of your team, you can always chat about your accomplishments, skills, and knowledge base. Here’s an example of how you can swing it without being overbearing about your search: “I really enjoyed Peter’s presentation about the marketing industry. I’ve definitely accomplished similar feats in my years at the company and would like to gain more opportunities which would help me to advance in ways Peter was speaking about.”

Social media

While this “location” is different from the above, social media is still a relevant place to sell your job search and accomplishments, especially at this time of the year. Experts agree that the first quarter of the year is when hiring typically amps up.

For example, let’s say you recently applied for a job. Retweeting or commenting on a recent article that was posted by the target organization (or even the hiring manager) is a good way to get noticed. In addition, weighing in on popular industry issues or trends are additional methods of selling your skills since you’re communicating your expertise.

If you don’t think you can sell your job search to anyone, anywhere, think again! Use these scenarios are guidelines to prove why you’re a great candidate.

What do you think? What are some other ways to sell your job search to anyone, anywhere?

Image courtesy of DavidFayram; Flickr