Sometimes the best way to find a job is by letting it come to you.

The main idea is this:

Do visible things that people in the community you want to enter will value, and involve them in that process.

Done effectively, you do things you enjoy and employers who see you enjoying building value want you on their teams.

For example, a client I am coaching is looking to work in virtual reality. Instead of sending out resumes begging for a job, he is organizing a panel discussion with four experts. While organizing the panel takes time, it costs him nothing. More importantly, when he calls experts (read: possible future employers) to ask if they’d be on the panel, they take his call and talk to him about their business. Instead of getting referred to HR, he builds relationships.

The results: Three offers to interview for positions they haven’t publicly announced.

Also, he’s enjoying himself, meeting the top local people in his field. When he goes to VR meet-ups, the organizers and invited guests talk to him.

Start by making sure you know what you love to do and which communities involve that work. At first you will most likely do things that don’t generate revenue. The key is to serve the community, which requires and results in top-level networking.

Expect to go beyond what’s necessary, even if you aren’t making money. The value is the impression you make on others. If you are dedicated and solve problems, people in the community will be likely to think of you when there’s a job opening. Study your craft like a hobby and become an expert. You don’t become an expert by simply being knowledgeable; you have to apply that knowledge into the real world.

Practice, even when there’s no immediate reward, and be open to opportunities. Besides organizing panels, you can organize meet-ups, write blogs that interview experts in the field, start podcasts, start new ventures, and so on.

Eventually, you will build a reputation and a network that will allow you the luxury of job offers and company leaders coming to you instead of vice versa. Knowing that jobs will come your way can help you tolerate a current job you aren’t fond of.

Remember to start with what you’re passionate about. If it takes a while to work out or if it never does, you will still have spent your time working on something you enjoy in a community you’re fond of.

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