You know the job market is tight when people are sending companies their resumes in baby shoes and pizza boxes. But those are just a couple of the kooky and creative ways job seekers are using to get your attention, according to news from Office Team.
The firm receently asked pros like you to recount the most unusual thing they have seen or heard an applicant do to stand out from the crowd. Following are some of their responses:
- I remember a job candidate bringing in milk and cookies.
- I remember someone had his resume delivered in a pizza box.
- Someone stood outside our building from 9 to 5 every day for a month until he was hired. It worked.
- Someone wrote a press release announcing she had been hired and used it as her cover letter.
- Someone sent us a baby shoe with a resume wrapped around it. He said he wanted to get his foot in the door. He did not get the job, but it got my attention, and I read his resume twice.
- A woman dropped off a balloon with her resume.
- Once we received a resume rolled in a bottle.
While unconventional methods can be hit or miss, one surefire way to stand out is by going the extra mile to showcase your skill set, professionalism and enthusiasm for the position, says Robert Hosking, Office Team executive director.
On a more serious note, survey respondents cited the following standout tactics:
- People who take the time to research the company, do their homework and follow up on their ideas.
- Receiving handwritten thank-you notes as opposed to e-mail.
- Using a good reference -- I swear by references, so thats very important.
What about you, pros? What's the most creative way an applicant approached you? Did it work? And what tactics would you say are "can't miss" for applicants?
