Looking for job postings on the internet is a common way to job search, but there are many other ways to find work opportunities to increase your chances of getting hired. The following methods will ensure that you broaden your job search effectively.

1. Social Media

Employment websites such as Indeed or Monster are not the only places to find work on the web. Social media is also a great employment service. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter offer job listings, networking opportunities, and a place to post your resume.

2. Professional Website

Making a professional website or portfolio is a way to showcase your personality and advertise your skills. Storytelling is an excellent way to self-promote through blogging, or you can post photos, videos, and infographics that show employers that you are the right candidate for the job. With a professional website, you have a blank slate to present yourself however you wish.

3. Video Resume

Sending potential employers a video resume can make you stand out from the crowd. Many job openings have hundreds of applicants, so any way to highlight yourself gives you a better chance of getting an interview. Video formats showcase your technical and creative talents, and they give employers a face instead of a written resume.

4. Portfolio

A portfolio can enhance your job search by showcasing your skills when you are looking for a new job or freelance opportunity. Sending a portfolio to potential employers demonstrates your ability to work and your level of professionalism. It is also an opportunity to make yourself memorable in a sea of applicants. You can publish your portfolio, so potential employers notice your work.

5. Company Search

Job listings are typically categorized by position and job description rather than by company. One way to transform your job hunt is by finding companies where you’d like to work, instead of job types. Not only can this lead to new opportunities, but it can lead to greater job satisfaction when the workplace aligns with the job opening.

6. Tour the Company

Once you know where you want to work, see if you can visit the facility or take a tour. Putting your body at the physical location of the job opportunity can provide opportunities to engage with managers and personnel. You might even get the chance to mention your availability. It never hurts to be present. Some companies offer workplace tours to give potential employees this opportunity.

7. Printed Ads

Don’t discount old school methods for your job search. Newspapers, magazines, and bulletin boards still post job listings. These employers may be covering all their bases in their search for the perfect candidate. They also may benefit from the addition of a tech-savvy employee in their workplace.

8. Phone Call

A telephone call is a positive job hunting method to reach out to employers who probably aren’t used to conversing with potential employees who want to work. Phone conversations can make potential employers more open to discussion, which can help you to get the in-person meeting that cements your position as top candidate.

9. Referral Request

Employers scan many resumes before they start the interview process, and each one is a gamble. You can increase your chances and credibility by asking for a referral from people within the company or their clients. If someone you know works at a place where you are applying, ask them to put in a good word for you. Better yet, ask them to write a formal letter of recommendation.

10. Write an Article

Showcase your writing ability by publishing an article about the company where you want to work. This can be a blog post or an article you submit to the company for publication on their professional website. The article will show that you understand the company, and it may give you the opportunity to interview members of the hiring team and introduce yourself.

11. Social Gatherings

Attending social gatherings that are open to the public are a great way to engage in networking. The more people you meet, the more opportunities you will find. Meeting in a social setting allows people to find commonalities such as shared hobbies or values. Don’t push your business card or resume at this time, but make sure to offer a phone number or social media info to maintain contact.

12. In-person Resume Delivery

Dropping off your resume in-person at the front desk or visiting the work site for a job inquiry is a bold move that makes you stand out from the rest. Employers may not have the time to meet with you at that moment, but they see that you are willing to go the extra mile to get the job. You may only get to hand-deliver your resume, but that could give you a competitive advantage.

13. Flash Drive

Keep your resume on a flash drive, so you can hand it out on the fly. You never know when you will come across your next great job opportunity, and having a mobile resume allows you to grasp every opportunity. If you don’t want to carry around a flash drive, make sure you have your resume on Google Drive, so you can quickly send a link.

The methods you use to enhance your job hunt will make you stand out from the average candidate, increasing your chances of getting hired at a company where you’ll enjoy your job.