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If you're thinking of doing something creative with your resume or at the interview in order to distinguish yourself from other candidates—think twice before you do it.
A poll of hiring executives reports that the way you communicate your ingenuity, resourcefulness, and creative employers can give you a leg up on the competition—or shut down your chances for a job.
Those surveyed by Accountemps, an international staffing service, were asked: "what is the most unusual thing you have seen or heard of a job candidate doing to 'stand out from the crowd?' " Some responses included:
- Sending a shoe with a resume and a note saying: "I just want to get my foot in the door."
- Adding confetti to the resume package—and making a huge mess on the recruiter's desk.
- Bringing a dog to the interview—the applicant didn't want to leave it in the car.
- Circling "all the important words" on a resume.
- Sending a packet of coffee with a note that said, "Have some coffee on me."
- Enclosing a piece of gum with the resume and asking the recruiter to "chew on the facts."
Although a nontraditional approach may help you get recognition within the candidate pool, the best way to distinguish yourself is a classic approach: Develop a concise, targeted resume that details your success in previous roles and the contributions you've made to previous employers while demonstrating the contributions you could make if you are hired.
This means:
- Review the job description and write your resume and cover letter to highlight those aspects of your background that make you the best fit for the job.
- Research the company prior to the interview and ask focused and intelligent questions that showcase that knowledge.
- Cite skills used in internships (or other pre-graduation experiences) and in volunteer activities outside of work.
- Send a thank-you note immediately after meeting the hiring manager reiterating some of your skills/abilities and asking for the job.
- Become involved with a professional or industry association.
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