Looking for a job feels like everyone's following the same playbook, doesn't it? Polish your CV, scan job boards, click apply, repeat.
Let’s try something different!
I'm not talking about "optimize your LinkedIn" or "network more" (though those help). I mean tactics that feel backwards, maybe even risky.
👉 In this article, I'm sharing 20 unconventional strategies I've seen work across hundreds of successful placements. Some will challenge what you think you know about job searching. That's exactly the point.
1. Become a Regular at One Specific Bar or Coffee Shop Near Your Target Industry
I once had a drink on Peel Street and ran into someone from a networking event. She was introducing everyone she knew (and honestly, some she probably didn't) to each other. Super friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Here's the thing: formal networking events feel transactional. People are trying to sell their business, most of the people there has a precise objective in mind. But bumping into people at "your spot" over weeks? That's how relationships actually form.
Your action plan:
- Pick ONE bar/coffee shop in the neighborhood where your target industry clusters (Central for finance, Sheung Wan for tech/creative, Quarry Bay for corporate).
- Go there same day, same time, every week (Thursday 6pm, Tuesday 3pm – whatever works)
- Don't force networking. Just be present, friendly, approachable
- After 3-4 weeks, you'll start recognizing faces. Say hi. Chat casually.
- When someone asks what you do, keep it light: "I'm exploring opportunities in [industry]. You work around here?"
- The magic happens when people start introducing YOU to others because you're "the regular"
2. Attend Events You're Genuinely Interested In, Not Just "Networking Events"
Stop going to events because you "should." Go to events where you'd want to be there even if you weren't job hunting.
Your action plan:
- Love hiking? Join Hong Kong Trail Runners or hiking groups
- Into sustainability? Attend environmental talks or beach cleanups
- Enjoy wine? Try wine tasting events
- Professional interest in AI? Go to tech talks or startup demos
- Search Meetup.com, Eventbrite, Facebook Events for interest-based groups
- When you're genuinely engaged, conversations flow naturally
- People can tell when you're there because you care vs. when you're "networking"
- Mention your job search casually if it comes up, but focus on enjoying the event
- Follow up with people you genuinely connected with: "Really enjoyed chatting about [shared interest]. Grab coffee sometime?"
3. Follow the Promotion Trail (Where Someone Just Leveled Up)
Instead of chasing posted openings, identify companies hiring someone at your level in a different department. When they fill that role, they often need to backfill the previous team or expand shortly after.
Your action plan:
- LinkedIn search: Filter people who started roles 1-2 levels above you in the past 90 days at target companies
- Focus on their previous company, not their new one
- Reach out within their first month: "Congrats on the new position at [New Company]! I noticed you recently joined from [Previous Company]. Is your former team looking to backfill your role or expand?"
- Set up weekly LinkedIn alerts for recent hires in your industry
- Even if they say "not yet," follow up in 30 days – hiring plans change
4. Send Handwritten Thank You Notes (Yes, Actually Written by Hand)
Everyone sends email thank yous. Almost nobody sends handwritten notes anymore. That's exactly why they work.
Your action plan:
- Buy simple, professional thank you cards (nothing fancy or cutesy)
- After networking coffees, informational interviews, or job interviews, send a handwritten note within 24 hours
- Keep it short: "Thank you for taking time to meet yesterday. Your insight on [specific thing they mentioned] was really valuable. Looking forward to staying in touch."
- Include your business card or write your LinkedIn/email at the bottom
- Yes, this feels old-fashioned. That's the point.
- People remember the one person who sent a physical note among 50 email thank yous
5. Ask for a 15-Minute "Industry Insight" Chat Instead of "Networking"
The word "networking" makes people defensive. "Can I pick your brain about the industry?" is way less intimidating.
Your action plan:
- When reaching out cold on LinkedIn, skip the formal networking ask
- Instead: "I'm exploring opportunities in [industry] and would love 15 minutes of your insights on the market trends you're seeing. No pressure on job leads – genuinely curious about your perspective."
- Most people love sharing their expertise
- Keep it actually to 15 minutes (set a timer!)
- Ask about industry trends, not about jobs directly
- Jobs come up naturally when people trust you're not just using them
- Always end with: "This was incredibly helpful. Is there anyone else you'd recommend I speak with?"
6. Join Industry-Specific WhatsApp or Slack Communities
Hong Kong runs on WhatsApp. If you're not in the right groups, you're missing where real conversations (and job tips) happen. I join for example the French Tech Group, and that how I got my first opportunity. And then join a Digital Learning community, and I got a second one!
Your action plan:
- Ask everyone you meet: "Are there any good WhatsApp/Slack groups for [industry] in Hong Kong? or for my specific job?”
- Join expat professional groups, industry-specific communities, alumni groups
- Don't just lurk – contribute genuinely to discussions
- Share interesting articles, answer others' questions when you can
- When you see job postings shared, reach out privately to the poster: "Saw you shared the [Role] opening. Do you know the team? Would love any context."
- People are more willing to help someone who's been an active community member
7. Volunteer Your Skills for Free to Companies You Want to Work For
This sounds crazy, but offering a small project for free can get your foot in the door when applications go nowhere.
Your action plan:
- Identify specific, solvable problem at target company (from their social media, website, or news)
- Create a mini-project: "I noticed your Instagram engagement dropped recently. I did a quick 20-minute audit and found [2-3 insights]. Happy to share if useful – no strings attached."
- Or: "Saw your website loads slowly on mobile. I'm a developer exploring opportunities in [industry]. Fixed the main issue in your homepage code. Here's the fix if you want it."
- Keep it small (genuinely 1-2 hours of work, not days)
- Frame as "building my portfolio" or "staying sharp between roles"
- Half the time, they'll be so impressed they'll create a conversation
8. The "Exit Interview Referral" Technique
People who just left a company are incredibly willing to help replace themselves. They know exactly what the role needs and don't care about internal politics anymore.
Your action plan:
- When someone updates LinkedIn to a new company, message within the first week
- Template: "Congrats on [New Company]! Quick question – is your former team at [Old Company] looking to fill your role? I'm exploring opportunities in [area] and would love to learn what you were working on."
- They'll give you unfiltered truth about the role, team dynamics, and hiring manager
- Ask for intro to former manager: "Would you be comfortable introducing me? Completely understand if not."
- Former employees are goldmines of insider information
9. Show Up Early to Events and Help Set Up
Everyone arrives fashionably late to networking events. Show up 15 minutes early and ask if they need help. You can also ask event organisers if they need help in advance. “For example, I volunteered at an event at the AWS Generative AI Experience Center, where I had the opportunity to meet professionals in my field for free, even though the event itself was quite costly..
Your action plan:
- Arrive 15-20 minutes before event start time
- Ask organizers: "Can I help with anything? Happy to arrange chairs, set up name tags, whatever you need."
- You'll immediately bond with organizers and early arrivals
- Organizers will introduce you to important people throughout the night
- You'll be remembered as "helpful" not "desperate networker"
- Early birds are often the serious professionals, not the casual attendees
- You get warmed up before crowds arrive – less intimidating
10. Target "Accidental Managers" Who Just Got Promoted
When individual contributors suddenly become managers through reorganization, they don't know how to hire. They're grateful for candidates who make it easy.
Your action plan:
- LinkedIn search: People whose title changed from "Senior/Lead [Role]" to "Manager/Director" in past 6 months at the same company
- They're often overwhelmed and figuring it out
- Your approach: "Congrats on the management role! I imagine you're building out your team structure. I've been on both sides – IC and manager – happy to share what I learned if helpful. Also exploring roles in [space]."
- Offer genuine help first, job opportunity second
- They'll remember you when hiring budget gets approved
11. Target Companies That Just Lost Funding or Had Layoffs
Everyone runs away from struggling companies. Smart candidates see the opportunity. Remaining teams are overworked and you face way less competition.
Your action plan:
- Follow TechCrunch, Business Insider for layoff news in your industry
- Reach out to remaining department heads (not HR) within 2-4 weeks
- Your pitch: "Noticed [Company] recently restructured. I imagine the [Department] team is stretched thin right now. I've helped teams stabilize during transitions. Open to discussing how I could help?"
- Target companies that laid off <30% – they're restructuring, not dying
- They have budget, fewer applicants, and urgent needs
12. Become a "Connector" Yourself – Introduce People to Each Other
Stop thinking "what can they do for me?" Start thinking "who can I connect?"
Your action plan:
- After every coffee chat, ask yourself: "Who in my network would this person benefit from knowing?"
- Make 2-3 introductions per week
- Template: "Hey [Person A], meet [Person B]. You both mentioned interest in [topic]. Thought you should connect. [Person B], [Person A] has great experience in [area]."
- Keep it simple, no long emails
- People remember and reciprocate for generous connectors
- You'll build reputation as someone who adds value, not just takes
13. Go to the Same Networking Event Multiple Times
Don't event-hop. Pick 2-3 regular events and become a familiar face.
Your action plan:
- Find 2-3 events that run monthly/quarterly (chamber events, industry meetups, alumni gatherings)
- Commit to attending the same event 3+ times in a row
- By the third time, you'll recognize people and they'll recognize you.
- Conversations shift from "What do you do?" to "How's the job search going?"
- Organizers will start introducing you to newcomers
- Familiarity builds trust faster than meeting 100 strangers once
Your Turn
I shared 13 techniques. You don't need all 13. Pick 2-3 that feel most natural to your style and industry. Try them for 2 weeks. Track what happens.
- The worst outcome? You learn something.
- The best? You land a role before it ever hits the job boards.
Which technique are you trying first? Drop a comment or message me – I'd love to hear how it goes.
And if you found this helpful, share it with someone job hunting. They'll thank you for it.
Remember: In a competitive market, conventional tactics get conventional results. Time to try something different. 💡
And don’t forget to:
- Follow Fast Track Jobs HK on LinkedIn for Hong Kong interview insights and job opportunities
- Share this with other international professionals targeting Hong Kong—they'll thank you later!