Very creative or very unprofessional
Desperation leads some to creativity
How much value does sending your résumé to a hiring manager on the bottom of a shoe box, or in a lipstick tube add? Creativity might be the way to land that desired interview. Especially in today’s tight economic market with jobs becoming scarce, applicants are using creative measures to get in front of hiring managers. I found this article on CNN this morning about extreme approaches to landing the interview. Some of them, while clever, can be construed as unprofessional. And frankly, some of them aren’t even that clever.
Clever, maybe; creative, maybe; will it work, probably not
While the practice of sending your résumé in a cardboard cake is not as uncommon within highly creative environments, it is definitely more unconventional when applying for a position within a professional services firm or within the IT industry for example. Initially this approach might yield some results; but this is only the first step. Once in the interview, you still have to demonstrate that you can add value and understand the needs of the company and the position. Getting noticed is only the first step in what can be a long process – especially now.
While some of these ‘gimmicks’ might land the initial interview, the real work begins when you have to present your qualifications in a personal meeting – or more likely, many personal meetings. I recommend using a network of contacts and professional memberships along with maintaining diligent with the use of LinkedIn, Facebook, and even Twitter to promote yourself and increase your network base. Follow-up with a handwritten thank you note after a meeting. This demonstrates interest and sincerity. It is easy to quickly send off an email thank you note. A card shows that you are willing to go the extra mile.
Ultimately, it is nearly impossible to find a place for the shoebox résumé! Keep it professional. Highlight your accomplishments and remain focused on your search to yield the results you desire.
Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of ResumesDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
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