| There is a strong temptation in today's highly | | | | symbols and decorative symbols in emails. |
| competitive job market to go for gimmicks to make | | | | Dale Winston, CEO of Battalia Winston International, |
| one's resume stand out from the crowded field. The | | | | an executive search firm once received a resume |
| temptation is particularly strong after a number of | | | | with two Pepto-Bismol tablets enclosed along with a |
| rejections. | | | | note that read: "I'm one candidate that won't |
| Avoid gimmickry like the plague. | | | | nauseate you. However, since I don't know how the |
| There are rare occasions when a really creative tactic | | | | rest of your day is going, accept some relief, |
| works, but most of them will backfire and make a | | | | compliments of me." |
| resume stand out for all the wrong reasons. Still | | | | Job seekers sometimes will send their cover letter |
| some applicants--especially entry and mid-level | | | | inside an unsealed envelope without a resume. The |
| professionals-- resort to outlandish devices. | | | | idea is to make it appear the resume fell out with the |
| "It's really disheartening when you send your resumes | | | | idea that the recruiter will reply by asking for a |
| out and get nothing in return," says Cynthia Shapiro, | | | | resume. |
| a career coach for those searching for jobs. "It just | | | | However, there are rare instances when creative |
| makes people feel like they have to do something | | | | tactics to grab attention are in order, such as |
| crazy to get noticed." | | | | advertising, public relations and marketing. But good |
| Here are some examples of the more off-the-wall | | | | taste as to subject matter is always required. Also, |
| gimmicks cited in a recent Wall Street Journal article. | | | | avoid costly gimmicks lest you appear to be |
| A junior marketing professional attempted to send | | | | attempting to bribe the recruiter. |
| his resume by homing pigeon. The bird never | | | | It is far better, of course, to make one's cover letter |
| returned. | | | | and resume stand out from the crowd by simple, |
| In another instance, a resume was cut into pieces | | | | straightforward communications that present |
| and enclosed in a Russian stacking doll. | | | | qualifications that "fit" the position. |
| An electronic key chain and note were attached to a | | | | Appropriate follow-ups to keep the application in the |
| resume, saying, "The only noise you'll hear out of me | | | | recruiter's mind are also highly desirable. The rules for |
| are the ones generated by this letter." | | | | cover letters and resumes also apply for notes that |
| A candidate thought it was a good idea to bring a | | | | express appreciation for the opportunity to interview |
| Rubik Cube to an interview to demonstrate | | | | and state positive interest in the opportunity. |
| problem-solving skills. | | | | Where once snail mail was required, thank you notes |
| A job hunter dressed as a gorilla, accompanied by | | | | via email are now acceptable, even preferred. Make |
| balloons, hand delivered his resume with a song | | | | messages concise and personalized. No "smiley faces." |
| explaining his qualifications. (In fact, personal delivery | | | | Texting, Facebook and MySpace are not to be used. |
| of resumes is fairly common, but they usually fail | | | | After all is said and done, it's really very simple. Jobs |
| because they convey a sense of desperation.) | | | | go to candidates who do the best job in convincing |
| Some resumes include jokes, nutty photographs, | | | | the recruiter that he or she can serve the needs of |
| "cute" gifts, or free tickets to ball games. | | | | the employer, not who can be cleverest with |
| Slang or funky language and spelling are no-nos, as | | | | gimmickry. |
| are industry and professional jargon. So are shorthand | | | | |