How Far Will You Go to Win a Job?

An article today on Yahoo! Hot Jobs caught my eye reminding me that some candidates will do almost anything to separate from the pack. While I want to give those candidates kudos for having the hutzpah and creativity to try unique tactics, I would caution job hunters to be judicious in their job search choices for maximum effectiveness.

Author Larry Buhl referenced some hilariously creative examples of bad choices. One candidate put up a poster of himself in a company’s parking lot. Another sent a singing telegram to announce his candidacy. My favorite example is the candidate who delivered pre-paid Chinese food that included his name and phone number tucked into a fortune cookie. Yum!

While I appreciate such creativity, I agree with Buhl that a candidate risks appearing inappropriate, or even a bit scary, when choosing certain gimmicks to get noticed by a hiring manager. It’s important for common sense to prevail. If you have any doubts about whether to execute on a “cute” idea for marketing yourself, talk to someone you trust for a second opinion. If you still have doubts, don’t do it.

Buhl also cautions that it’s important to remember that regardless of the strength of your attention-getting tactics, if you don’t have the qualifications to back up your gimmicks, don’t bother. You still have to win the job, and your chances are slim if you lack the substance. In other words, you still have to pass the interview process, and that’s unlikely without the substance.

Stick With the Tried and True
As he said, “Recruiters agree that the best way to get noticed is almost always the old-fashioned resume and cover letter”. His article advises making your cover letter “very short and very focused”.

The upshot of Buhl’s article is that job hunting success still depends upon good taste, substance and standards.

I’d also add these:
· Apply the “tried and true” methods to succeed in your job search.
· Use your innovative talents to identify the hidden jobs and to package yourself intelligently.
· Spend time upfront to prepare for a job interview by developing your “stories” and being able to verbalize how you can benefit the companies you’re interviewing with.

Sue