Job Search Scavenger Hunt

Looking for a job can seem as productive as searching for a needle in a haystack sometimes. It can become a disappointing and tedious process especially when it starts to take too long. It’s easy to feel discouraged when you fall into this sort of rut. Job hunting doesn’t have to be all work and no play though.

You can have a good time just looking for employment. Mary Poppins once said, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and - SNAP - the job's a game!”

What, you didn’t think that finding a job could be kind of fun? Like many things it all depends on your perspective and imagination. Spice up your job hunt this week by doing it scavenger style.

If you’ve never had the exciting experience of participating in a scavenger hunt, it’s high time you did. Defined as “A game, typically played in an extensive area, in which participants have to collect a number of miscellaneous objects”, a scavenger hunt is often a fun game played at office parties.

Best to brush up your scavenging skills even before you land your next job. Search the expanses of your hometown and the entire internet to find the following list items that will help you on your job hunt:

1. Job title and description of careers for which you are qualified
2. Typo or grammatical error on your cover letter
3. Additional skills, programs or pieces of equipment to include on your resume
4. Median salary for your job title and location
5. “Help Wanted” signs at local businesses
6. Awesome new-to-you accessory for your interview outfit
7. Phone number to callback a company that previously contacted you
8. Free class or group in the area on a subject matter you find fascinating
9. Role play partner to offer feedback about strengths and weaknesses in an interview
10. Volunteer organization where you can donate time or supplies
11. “Like” for companies you would want to work with on Facebook
12. Magazine article about topics trending in your profession
13. Job fair to attend
14. Business cards from contacts you meet on the hunt
15. Classified section of news paper with jobs circled
16. Paper or digital map of the city
17. Forum post answering a question you have about finding work your field

Oh snap! That could be fun.

Want to play the job search scavenger hunt? On the honor system tally how many you find of each list item over the course of the next week. Comment on this blog or go to Nexxt on Facebook and share your scavenger hunt stats, stories and photos. Bragging rights go to whoever completes the list quickest. Even if you don’t finish first hopefully with this unique twist you will find what you need to get hired.