In this blog I want to talk about one of the most effective and underutilized paths to your next career: created opportunities. Most job hunters think they have to search out a job that already exists, which a company is actively trying to fill, but creating a job for yourself based on your unique skill set is actually one of the best way to find a job at the company for which you most want to work. Companies are always looking for ways to save money, make money and solve problems. If you can position yourself as a solution to a problem you can work almost anywhere.

Created Opportunities and Direct Calling

There is no rule that says that the only way to get into a company is through HR. Managers hold the key to the majority of jobs that aren’t publicly advertised. By direct calling you will make that job happen by talking with the relevant people who control the jobs. You’ll have little competition when you direct call because 98% of people would rather answer ads and complain about how they can’t find a job.

Case Study Example: JIST trained 1000 job seekers to direct call for an experiment during a recession in early 1990. About 66%, working on job-search activities for at least 25 hours a week, were employed within 2.03 weeks, and 90% were employed in 90 days.

Direct calling means calling people you have not met. Scary? Perhaps. Effective? Absolutely. The key to success is preparation.

How creating your own job opportunities works:

Identify targets, companies and contacts.
Identify key facts about the companies, including current company projects and initiatives, company needs and how you can fill them.
Identify key players and their contact information in your target companies by using search engines, company web sites and other sources including Hoover’s Online, Give.org, Bizjournals to name a few.
Make contact with the key players and impress them with your skills, summarize your experience, reveal your knowledge of their company needs and how your talents fill these needs; in other words by explaining persuasively what you can do to make life better for them. Draft a script and PRACTICE before you call.
Example: Hi (person’s name), I’m (your name), a (your title) with experience in (describe it) for (what market) where I’ve worked for (name a couple of companies you’ve worked for). I know you have (describe a current need or project). Based on the experience I’ve had in (describe your past experience), I feel I would help your company in this area of work. Would you be interested in talking with me about my background and the work I’ve done? or When would you like to meet?
Stay motivated

Some people will be so impressed by your approach that they will invite you in for an interview right away; others will have no problem saying “no”. Expect rejection, remember that it is a vital component on the pathway to success, and don’t give up.