But if you've chosen to use some exciting non-traditional job search strategies, you've probably been able to arrange a face-to-face meeting with a decision-maker. And you've probably done it in a matter of days. So, congratulations on your achievement so far.

Now, you have to pull out the all the stops to turn this special event into a job offer. And here's a secret strategy that can turn hunting for a job into a big win for you.

If you want to establish yourself as a memorable, interested and motivated job search candidate, DON'T MEET A DECISION-MAKER IN HIS/HER OFFICE!

A non-interview face-to-face meeting is by far the best way to establish critical rapport and chemistry with the person who could be your next boss. It's an alternative approach that makes a huge difference in your employment success.

Anything you can do to make yourself stand out in the crowd without being obnoxious is going to give you a leg up over the competition. A powerful way to achieve that is to suggest you meet a prospective boss outside the office.

When you do, you're creating a neutral environment without any of the power symbols that help bolster a decision-maker's control. It gives YOU some of that control as long as you take the initiative to set it up.

Here are some ways to pull off meeting outside the office. Invite a prospective employer for

1. A breakfast meeting . . . before the business day begins. Or on the weekend. Or anytime outside business hours.

2. Cocktails (or a beer) after work.

3. A weekend walk in the park

4. Getting together on Sunday after religious services.

5. An invitation to a sporting event.

6. A take-out lunch meeting at a favorite park bench.

7. A pleasant stroll through the aquarium or museum.

Don't be afraid to suggest an outside meeting. Busy managers are often very open to getting away from the office for awhile. And they're rarely averse to meeting outside business hours if you make the invitation interesting.

Such a meeting gives you huge advantages and puts you well on the road to establishing critical rapport and chemistry. Remember, when you're hunting for a job, you will never get a job offer if the decision-maker doesn't like you. Meeting outside the office is a terrific way to put yourself at the front of the pack.