One of the wisest things you will do in your job search is learn the best non-traditional job search methods that fit your particular goals.

One method (and it happens to be my favorite – read on to find out why) is finding and following up on what I like to call corporate growth opportunities.

Growth opportunities are windows when a company is experiencing some form of growth. These can include moves, expansions, launching new products or services, mergers or acquisitions, awards and new rounds of venture capital funding, just to name a few.

Because of the fact that in so many cases when a company is experiencing a major change and/or growth there is a hiring need, it is truly a perfect time for YOU to make an introduction!

A few of the benefits you will enjoy when you capitalize on growth opportunities are:

• You set the pace for leadership and control vs. answering an ad, which positions you as the less desirable, passive/receiver.
• You maximize your leverage, options and opportunities in your industry of choice. In other words, you are in control.
• You are introducing yourself at a time when that company may be investing considerable sums of money to find great talent (like YOU!).
• You have little or no competition.
• You are putting the focus on THEM and their particular situation – highly flattering to the decision maker who you are connecting with – which makes you look fantastic.

Sounds great right? Believe me, it is! And it’s easy to find and follow up on growth opportunities in your specific target market using internet resources including: US Business Journals, Google news alerts, article finders and even associations related to your industry of focus.

Each week you can connect with key decision makers associated with the various growth opportunities that interest you. Send a short value proposition letter and don’t forget to attach a copy of the article and follow up in order to maximize your favorable responses.

This particular method can increase your response rate to 20, 40 and even 60%! Compared to the 1 to 3% response rates you will get through submitting your resume to jobs posted on major job boards there is simply no contest. Learning how to follow up on corporate growth opportunities can easily become your most powerful and effective job search strategy.

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There is a pattern I see with my clients. It goes somthing like this:

Once I have helped my clients map out their career focus and goals,  I send them a resume draft.

I can almost feel the shockwaves coming back when they say things like:

I can’t believe this is me!

Can I really do this?

I didn’t realize how much I had accomplished.

Are you sure I should go after such a large title/big company/big salary?

And of course, the majority of my clients DO go on to accomplish their career goals! But my point is this:

It takes more than just a fantastic resume to land your dream job.

It takes you actually believing you can do it!

We all like to dream. And dreaming is “safe” isn’t it? Committing to moving forward and making your dream a reality also means stepping out of the safe zone.

And when stepping out of the safety zone, it’s very easy to start playing small.

I have seen a few highly accomplished and highly talented professionals play small with their careers and wind up right where that road takes them…. which is not very far from where they are.

You have heard “change can be scary.” I would add that “committing to be successful can be scary.” Just knowing that the road to the success you wish to achieve can be scary can help to gain a foothold on emotional responses you may have to actually seeing yourself in a different light.

And by understanding these reactions are normal – you can allow yourself to feel those feelings without letting them stonewall your plans.  By accepting that “wow – this really is me”, you give yourself permission to take the next step in moving forward with your career!

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Looking back I have probably coached and written resumes for over 400 executives in all kinds of industries. Here are a few things I have learned along the way that I hope you will benefit from.

1.    Many professionals worry about things that never happen

Most clients I have worked with, shared with me numerous worries they thought would hold them back including: their age, too little or too much salary, the economy, a shrinking industry, too many jobs in the last 10 years and being fired or laid off, just to name a few. I am happy to report that these same executives went to on achieve (and in many cases exceed) their career goals.

How did they do it? Usually through a combination of the following: First through education that the reality of their concerns was often overemphasized to the point of being counterproductive. Second, obstacles were minimized or eradicated through a well planned marketing strategy. And third, through an expertly crafted resume which showcased their strengths that was in sync with their goals.

2.    Many professionals believe they can’t successfully change industries

I love to hear the excitement in my client’s voices when they are shown that successfully changing industries is more about their plan, their resume, their networking approach and the coaching they receive than their experience!

3.    Most professionals feel they interview very well – when they don’t

“Just help me land the interviews and I will do the rest.” I have heard that dozens of times from seasoned professionals that made one simple error. They mistook their amazing charisma and people skills for great interview skills. Believe me, there is a big difference. I have seen first hand how just answering one question the “wrong way” quickly leads to a lost candidacy.

4.    Most professionals can’t write an interest-generating resume

There are multiple reasons for this such as the following: industry jargon used

(a resume needs to be written for people in at least 5 different departments), not being able to write objectively, not being able to craft their resume from

a marketing perspective and too often writing what they have done and not what has happened as a result.

5.    Most professionals didn’t know how much career coaching and marketing would help them – until they got it.  

I can relate to this one especially. I didn’t realize how much a business coach would help me until I hired one. It’s normal to feel this way but if you have ever played sports and had an excellent coach, or studied under a dynamic teacher then you have already experienced the value that a true professional can bring, and the many ways they can help you to reach your full potential.

I hope if you have identified with any of these points, it will help you to quickly and easily take action to shore up areas for improvement. I promise this will result in a much more enjoyable and fruitful job search for you!

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There are lots of time saving products and services out there you could incorporate into your job search, but let’s keep it really simple. Here’s one I like that has to do with keeping track of your job search and career network – not only for a single job search but for your entire career.

Check out Jibber Jobber. Jason Alba is the president as well as the author of TWO books AND linked-In/Blogger/Facebook expert extraordinaire – no kidding. And from what I can tell, he has the ear of several industries – the ”career services” industry being the biggest one. Here’s how he describes Jibber Jobber:

“So what is Jibber Jobber? Is it a job search tool? Is it a networking tool? It is more like a personal relationship manager that allows you to do everything you need to do to manage a job search and optimize your network relationships – for the duration of your career!”

And BTW – a big THANK YOU to Jason for: A) liking, and B) blogging about… my ”phone networking secrets revealed” report. See it here.

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Why is it important for you to care about creating mini celebrity-status when it comes to your career? Simply because this self-marketing in your area of expertise can have multiple career benefits for you including:

1.      Potential exposure to future “dream” positions – they contact YOU!

 2.      Establishment as an expert in your industry

 3.      Widen your network

 4.      More ability to garner positive references and testimonials

 5.      More control over who you work with and how you work

 Different points will stand out as meaningful to different people. The real point is, managing your career gives you options….options you may not have had otherwise.

So, where do you start? Here are three quick and easy tips:

 Tip #1 Get a Platform

It’s easy to get a platform to express your option and ideas about your area of interest in your industry – by starting your own blog! www.wordpress.com (you are reading it!) is  free and setup is easy – even if you are like me i.e. not technical.

Another option is to sign up for a linked in account (e mail me and I will invite you to my list!) Linked in is a business-oriented networking site. Once you have set up your profile you can answer questions other business people are asking on various topics. A quick way to establish your credibility!

 Tip #2 Rub Shoulders with High Performers in Your Industry

Get involved in a corporate volunteer group or industry association. These are two wonderful portals filled with people that care deeply about industries and issues – just like you! Not only will this broaden your networking circle but it will keep you growing in your career!

And remember if you attend an industry luncheon to listen to a great speaker – introduce yourself to him or her after their presentation. Give them your business card as well – and gulp, ask for theirs!  It’s the little things you do as you “put yourself out there” to be open to new opportunities, friendships and possibilities that will pay off in the long run.

 Tip #3 Grow Your Knowledge Base

What was the last certification you received? How about on going training?
I recommend making sure that each year you commit to 2-3 actions that result in your learning a new tool for your trade. To make sure you will be motivated to do this – make it that one training, certification or learning experience that has been in the back of your mind to master! You know the one I am talking about. Check with your employers ongoing education benefits to find out if your training might be a covered expense!

Establishing mini-celebrity status doesn’t mean you have a gigantic ego. It’s simply a wise business move that opens doors of possibility for you. You will be amazed how putting these simple tips into action will quickly change-up your career status!

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