Looking at how you can do things a little bit differently may be the answer to your job search woes. Each of us has a unique approach to how we communicate with people for some it can be quite innovative. We have all heard about the graduate in the US whose cover letter went viral and resulted in numerous job offers. Well, it was only through his innovation and marrying his job search strategy with his personality that he achieved the result that he did.

So what can you do?

Little things can make a difference in your job search. If you are doing the same thing over and over again and not achieving a result, then have a think about what would make you respond if you were a prospective employer. Ideas that people have taken to include:

1. Picking up the phone and calling someone in your network of old work colleagues. Offer to buy them a coffee instead for a change and see if they know anyone that might be interested in your skills.

2. Contact the organisations that you have worked for previously, or those that require your skill set, and ask them what their hiring process is. This is best done on the phone but sometimes emails can also achieve a result.

3. Contact an old manager (that you got along with!) and ask for their support in your job search. 

4. Contact all the individuals that you have had interviews with. Ask for feedback and ask them if they know of any up and coming positions. Again shout them a coffee for a change.

Some people have gone outside of the box in their job search and although we do not recommend taking on these ideas without having a plan in place, it might inspire you to think about other ideas that could work for you.

1. Creating a Facebook/LinkedIn page inviting others to join and provide some information on the positions that you are applying for.

2. Write a job search blog; you never know who might be interested in following such a thing.

3. Attend a networking group with a business card where your position is "Available for all work opportunities" plus the industry or role that you are targeting.

Direct letters to organisations and phone calls are great but if they haven't been successful then it might be beneficial to change your approach.​

Have a think about being a little creative in your job search to build a network of opportunities. Remember however, you need to have a plan that remains professional and reflects your personality.

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Rebecca Fraser is a senior career coach and Director of Rebecca Fraser Consulting​.