On the 5th of March we hinted on Instagram that we’d reveal 3 trade secrets of people who are constantly getting ahead in their existing firms, or elsewhere by being headhunted.

So, have you ever heard about one of your mates cutting the line to land their dream job? You might have been out celebrating their promotion but secretly thinking, mmmh, he or she hasn’t been there THAT long.

Well, more often than not these types of people are often getting the perfect position without ever submitting a resume. Sometimes the company that they are working for - or are about to work for - actually create an entirely new role JUST for them.

How do they do it? Does everything they touch turn to gold? Or perhaps more likely - do they know something you don’t?

Well, at Be Interactive we don’t think they’re lucky - we believe these individuals are just creative. Usually they’re no more talented than you or I but they’ve perfected an approach to how they’re perceived both internally at their existing firms, and externally by recruiters.

Their ‘out-of-the-box’ approach gives them a notable advantage when it comes to standing out. Indeed, to many firms and recruiters, they look like droplets of ‘yes’ in an ocean of ‘maybes’.

Here’s how you too can become like THEM.

Firstly, don’t follow the rules.

Maybe they quit their job to start their own company for a while. Maybe they left the corporate world to join a non-profit that saves rhinos from poachers. Whatever it may be, high performers don’t follow the rules.

Now, this doesn’t mean go crazy! But let’s give the example of a job application. Just like knowing the hostess at a popular restaurant shortens your wait time, you too can cut the line. Instead of simply becoming another name on a list of applicants for the role, do some LinkedIn research. Find out who the hiring manager or recruiter is. Build relationships and to do a little under-the-radar investigation about the company culture.

Now you’re no longer a name or number. You’re a face - an impression. You’ll get that interview.

Secondly, don’t be limited by your job description or office hours.

Exceed the specifications of your job as laid out in your job description. Now this might sound obvious, but the consequences of doing so are huge. You will make a name for yourself as the guy or girl who goes above and beyond to deliver action.

And when you do such things, document them. Bring them up at your next performance review, make your boss is aware of your extra work. He or she will then be forced to acknowledge your growth - even if they’re grumpy.

Remember to go the extra mile. Help out in a crisis. Put extra effort in if a project is late. Be seen to be helpful - especially during extra stressful periods in the calendar year. People remember this kind of stuff.

Third and finally - don’t just accept what you’re given

Harvey Spector said it best in Suits - if you don’t like your current situation, change it. What are your choices if someone puts a gun to your head? You do what they say or they shoot you, right? WRONG. You take the gun, or you pull out a bigger one. Or, you call their bluff. Or, you do any one of a hundred and forty six other things. Make yourself indispensable. Create a niche by doing things that others can't or may not want to do.

Look for the right opportunity, not just any old one. While a lot of people are grateful to get an offer, the ilk of go-getters who never have to look manually for progression are the type who will be willing to not take it at face value. They will negotiate, ask for more, or turn down an offer that doesn’t meet their minimum requirements.

“Once high performers know what they’re looking for, they focus on the outcome versus the process. They’re willing to change things up, move pieces around, try something different in order to get where they want to go. Keep your eyes on the prize, and know that you too can be a high performer–if you just know how to play the game.” - Daily Muse.

So, has that sunk in? Have you learnt something new? We hope so.

Let us know what you’re planning to do next to become indispensable or memorable to those at your firm and beyond!

The End - thanks for reading.

Sources:

https://www.fastcompany.com/40429848/3-secrets-of-people-who-always-get-job-offers

http://westsidetoastmasters.com/resources/career_coach/lib0010.html