In today’s competitive job market, standing out amidst a sea of online applications and ignored LinkedIn messages can be daunting.
However, one recent graduate, Basant Shenouda, refused to be deterred by the silence of recruiters. Instead, she devised a clever strategy that combined digital savvy with old-fashioned networking to secure her dream job.
After facing six months of radio silence from recruiters on LinkedIn, Shenouda realized she needed to take a more unconventional approach.
Armed with determination and a stack of resumes, she leveraged social media insights to pinpoint where hiring managers were congregating offline.
Her opportunity came at the Online Marketing Rockstars conference in Hamburg, Germany, a hotspot for marketing and sales professionals.
Shenouda didn’t just attend; she volunteered to work at the event to gain free access and then embarked on a six-hour journey armed with her CV.
During breaks at the conference, Shenouda boldly approached recruiters, presenting her resume under the guise of seeking feedback.
Her audacious tactic paid off when she caught the attention of a LinkedIn recruiter, ultimately leading to her landing a position in the company’s sales graduate scheme.
Shenouda’s success continued. She employed a targeted approach to networking, compiling a list of conferences attended by hiring managers from her desired companies.
Even when faced with rejection online, she didn’t give up. Instead, she sought feedback from those who had turned her down, using it to refine her approach and secure job offers.
Her journey offers valuable insights into converting networking into tangible job opportunities.
Shenouda emphasizes the importance of talking about impact rather than just expressing a desire for employment.
She made herself stand out by highlighting her achievements and aligning her pitch with recruiters’ needs.
Furthermore, she stresses the significance of listening and building genuine connections.
Shenouda advises focusing on the recruiter’s needs and fostering friendships rather than just engaging in transactional networking.
Her success lies in the relationships forged beyond traditional job-hunting methods.
Basant Shenouda’s story is a testament to the power of creativity and persistence in navigating today’s competitive job market.
By combining digital tools with personal networking, she landed her dream job. She cultivated lasting connections that continue to shape her career.