Books like Guerilla Marketing for Job Hunters and Get Hired Fast do an extremely good job of outlining job search tactics and strategies that move you from passive candidate to competent jobseeker in a short period of time.
Recently, the New York Times profiled a laid off executive who walked around Manhattan with a sandwich board that said he was looking for work. His efforts paid off and he was able to secure a new job.
However, when is extreme simply too extreme when it comes to job searching? How far are you willing to go to get a recruiter or employers attention?
Some unusual tactics include:
-- the candidate who attached his resume to a homing pigeon
-- sending thank-you letters along with a fruit basket or bottle of champagned
-- mailing a cover letter only in an unsealed envelope to suggest that the resume fell out
-- frequently emailing recruiters goofy jokes -- The interviewee
brought a broom to the interview to “clean up the waste and corruption in the
office.” -- Another candidate
wore a shirt to the interview that said, “Please hire me.”
"Take Care With Gimmicks In Your Quest To Stand Out", a post by Sarah Needleman in the Wall Street Journal offers some sound advice on looking for a job in this economy.
More importantly to note are the warnings from employers and many executive recruiters regarding over-the-top job search tactics. According to executive recruiter, Russ Riendeau:
"Still, don't go overboard. Offering to do things you really don't want to do -- such as relocate anywhere or travel up to 100% of the time -- can turn off recruiters...when I hear that, I know it's not true," he says. "I know I'm dealing with a desperate candidate. What's more, you could damage the relationship you have with a recruiter if he or she believes you and you later renege on your promises."
I urge you to job search proactively, but sensibly...building up your network and referrals are still the best ways to land a new position.
