Job seekers will tell you that it's difficult to find work in the current job market—and that's certainly true if you're looking for something with rigid hours and no room for creativity or growth. But if you have a passion, you don't have to settle when it comes to your career and where you work each day. Here are five tips that will help you turn your passion into a full-time recruiting career with room to breathe and flourish professionally as well as personally - without breaking the bank.
Create an online presence
If you're going to promote your passion and use it to get hired, you need to be in front of people. Create a LinkedIn profile and link it to your Twitter page and/or Facebook page. Make sure all your contact information is up to date so companies can easily reach you. Use these sites to network with others who share your interests and can provide valuable advice on how to turn them into a career. You might also consider starting an online journal or podcast where you talk about your experience—you never know who might come across it!
Get involved in the industry
The first step to becoming a recruiter is to get involved in your target industry. If you're passionate about marketing, find a way to network with and learn from marketers in your community. Put yourself out there, volunteer at an organization or start a freelance project with some other marketer who might be willing to mentor you through the process. You can also consider interning at a local business; while you won't necessarily have any direct recruiting experience when it comes time to look for full-time employment, you will have gained valuable insight into how companies operate and what they look for in potential employees.
Network with recruiters
It may seem counterintuitive to approach recruiters with a job opening when you're currently looking for work but trust us—it works. If you present yourself professionally and approach them with your availability in mind, recruiters are likely to be willing to meet with you and even guide you through their hiring process. Taking an active role in your own employment will also show prospective employers that you can take initiative and think outside of yourself. Be sure to do your research before approaching any recruiter; some have very specific requirements regarding who they'll accept resumes from. If you don't see those requirements listed on their website, call, or email and ask about it before sending anything over.
Make use of internship opportunities
Internships are invaluable. Not only do they provide you with practical skills, but they also allow you to create a network of contacts who can offer advice and help as you embark on your recruiting career. There's no better way to learn about what it takes to be successful in recruiting than by doing it yourself! And don't forget that internships are a great way for companies to evaluate potential employees. After all, if you're able to impress during an internship, chances are good that you'll be offered a full-time position after graduation.
Tailor your resume and LinkedIn Profile
While your passion is certainly a great way to stand out in a crowded field, you also need to make sure that you're displaying it in a professional light. Tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile with keywords and phrases related to your passion. Not only will recruiters have an easier time finding you based on their searches, but they'll get a better sense of what type of employee you'd be.