If you want to get your dream job, you need modern job-seeking strategies that work. In part 1 of this series, I showed you why just 1 percent of resumes lead to a job offer … And how to create irresistible & effective resumes and LinkedIn profiles. These tips will help you get employers attention and get you the job. Now, in part 2 of this Ultimate Guide, we’re going to dive into the remaining two sections that NEED to be covered in depth in order for you to succeed in getting your dream job. First I’m going to give you five brilliant tips that will help you build valuable relationships with people you never thought possible to reach … Then we’re going to walk through several options that will help you immediately outshine the majority of other applicants and get shortlisted for the position. Let’s get started.

5 Brilliant Tips for Using Cold Emails to Get Your Dream Job

Not long ago, I read a great guest post by John Corcoran on okdork.com. This article contains some of the best, and most detailed advice I’ve seen on using email and social media to build valuable relationships with people that can help you get ahead. Out of that post, I extracted the five brilliant tips you see below. I’d recommend you read my summary, and then go check out John’s post in full to get more detailed examples and his bonus at the bottom. It’s worth your time, trust me. But enough chat-chit. Here’s your first tip:

1. Grease the Wheels Ahead of Time

The first thing you want to do before emailing someone you don’t know (or “cold emailing”) is warm them up, so that when they see your email, it’s not the first time they see your name. Fortunately, this is easier to do than ever through social media. You can simply follow the organization or person you’re wanting to get the attention of, and then find a way to make an impression. John gives the example of writing a guest post mentioning the person he wanted to contact. You could also comment on, share or like their stuff so that they start to notice you.

2. Be Brief

Here’s the thing: You have to assume the person you’re trying to reach is the busiest person on the planet. You have a limited amount of time to make a great impression on them, so choose your words wisely and be concise. They don’t want to know your life story. They just want to be able to decide as quickly as possible whether or not to spend more time interacting with you. It’s your job to make that an easy decision for them. This next tip will help with that …

3. Communicate How You Will Benefit Them

This is a fundamental (and critical) shift in how you think about getting your dream job. Most people look at it as they’re asking for a job. In other words, the company is giving you a job. But that’s not how your employer sees it. And that’s not how you should see it either. They’re hiring you so that you can add value and solve a problem. It’s an exchange of value. Money for effort. Simple. So make all your communication about adding value to them right from the start—however you can—and you’ll stand out.

4. Make it Fun

It’s the unfortunate truth … most people are bored out of their mind in their daily lives. So if can bring a sense of humor into your email, while still displaying professionalism, then you’ll make a noteworthy first impression. People want to have fun and be happy—and you can be the person (aka new employee) who brings that to the table.

5. Find Things You Have in Common

According to John, this could be as simple as having the same hometown. In terms of getting your dream job, the biggest thing your (future) employer will want to see is that you’re on board with and passionate about their mission. Assuming you are passionate about what they do (which, why would you apply for a job where you aren’t?)—then this should be easy. Proclaim your passion, and show them why you’re a great culture fit. Next, let’s talk about …

3 Eye-Catching Job Application Techniques That Simply Work

I have good news and bad news for you. The bad news is that it’s a tough, competitive job market out there. The good news is that it’s not hard to stand out … if you know what to do. So in this section, I want to give you three techniques that’ll provide the immediate boost you need for your job application to get noticed—so you can get hired for your dream job. I’ll also share a great resource at the end that’ll help you implement these techniques as quickly and easily as possible. Sound good? Great. Let’s jump into …

The Real Problem

The real problem isn’t that the job market is tough, your resume stinks, or you don’t have enough experience. It’s what I call “The Shotgun Approach” to job seeking … You load up your shotgun with tons of templates resumes and cover letters and spray them everywhere … To any company you can find … And for any position that seems like it might fit. That’s what most people do—but it’s not what you’re going to do ;).

The Real Solution

You see, the easiest way to stand out above the vast majority of the crowd right from the bat is to tailor your application specifically for one company. I know, I know … But what if you don’t get the job? Well, odds are, you wouldn’t have wasted any more time on that one application than you have with using the shotgun approach. You may have to tailor your approach specifically for two or three companies … But here’s the great part about that. You’ll actually care about the place that you work! By narrowing your focus, you’ll get more of what you want in your life and career … and that’s what it’s all about. Once you’ve identified one to three companies that you really want to work for (think big here—what’s your ideal job?), then it’s time to use one or more of …

The 3 Eye-Catching Job Application Techniques

1. Shoot a Short Video

If you’re applying for a company that you think would be impressed by a short and creative, yet professional video teasing them about the value you bring to the table, then video is without-a-doubt the way to go. In fact, I just read yet another article about a highly desirable company making the decision to hire a new employee before they even spoke to him … Because his simple, 1.5 min video application blew them away. So if you really want a specific job at a desirable company—then it’s worth the effort. Make a simple, creative video, and show them what you’ve got.

2. Build a Simple Website

Nowadays, you don’t need to have any coding skills whatsoever in order to build a simple, beautiful website. And if video isn’t your thing or you don’t think it would impress your employer, then building a simple website might work for you. Using any of the tools you can find here, you can build a gorgeous website showcasing yourself in a unique and impressive way that will get you ahead right from the start.

3. Create an Online Resume

Yes, that’s correct … our third technique is also online based. Why? Because it’s so easy … it’s so cheap … and the first thing any employer is going to do when you apply is Google your name! There are plenty of tools out there, and you can get on online resume completed in a matter of hours. Each of these three techniques will instantly make you stand out above your competition and give you a fighting shot at your dream job. If you’d like to know my favorite online tools for getting these projects finished as quickly and easily as possible, you can download my free resource guide here. That’s it for part 2 of our The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your For-Benefit Dream Job. If you feel like you got at least one great tip out of it that will help you get your dream job, then please share this article by clicking one of the buttons below or on the left-hand side. If you missed part 1, where we tackle some of the most effective resume and LinkedIn strategies out there, click here to check it out. And if you’re not quite sure what you want to do with you life, and you’re looking for the clarity and confidence to move forward in a new direction … Then check out our two-part series on The Ultimate Guide to Discovering Your For-Benefit ‘Dream Job.’ Have an awesome day, and I wish you the best of luck on the journey to getting your dream job. To Your Success, Ryan Niessen