So you've tried the typical routes for finding a job. Are there any non traditional methods you can use? Sure, with a little creativity, energy and time, you can generate your own job leads. Start by asking the people you know on a personal basis: your friends, family, and associates in your field. Next, try acquaintances like former bosses or co workers, former customers, college professors, or members of a club or church. You might even join a new trade organization, or do related volunteer work, to make new contacts. One often overlooked idea is to ask for leads from those who interviewed you for a job you didn't get. They might know a friend in the business who's hiring. In fact, everyone you meet while looking for a job is a possible source of referrals. Keep track of all your names in a notebook, along with who supplied the lead. Here's another very good way to get a foot in the door: try writing unsolicited letters to top managers, at companies you admire. The great majority of these letters do get read. And you'd be surprised how many of them will respond, even if a position is not open at that time.
