I just recently read an article written by Joann S. Lublin of the Wall Street Journal entitled Lessons of Extreme Job Hunting. In it were examples of job seekers who have taken their job search to the extreme. I recommend reading this article in full.

Here are some examples of  how “extreme” some job seekers are going to in hopes of making themselves standout in the crowd. There’s the MIT graduate who wore a sandwich board advertising himself in front of office buildings in New York City, the out of work professional with an MBA who drove a Cab and while doing so, he had his resume posted to the back of the front passenger seat and the Nurse who rode her bicycle in wealthy neighborhoods wearing a t-shirt that announced her availability and phone number.

Although these cases may be deemed extreme it is a reflection of to what extent some will go to land a job in this tough economy and it also speaks to how important it is to go the extra mile in promoting yourself to potential employers.

There are pros and cons to using extreme methods but overall the lesson here is to think creatively about how you can put your best foot forward and stand out in the crowded, competitive job market.

The article made me think of some of the things that I have seen people do that may not be as extreme as the examples above but maybe just as effective.

Here are some ideas to consider but be creative and come up with some of your own that reflect your personality and skills.

• Create an ad on Facebook – I have seen job seekers creating ads on Facebook that link back to their Linkedin profile or resume home page. http://www.facebook.com/advertising/
• Creative profile and resume headlines – As there are millions of resumes and profiles on all the job boards and social networking sites, creating a creative title can help make you stand out on the search results page, for example, ” Sales Manager who increase sales by 20% at McDonalds“. Also read this blog post “Your Resume Should Get My Attention, First“.
• Creative presentation – send your resume and cover letter to the recruiter or hiring in a creative package. In my past life as a Recruiter, I received a resume and cover letter packaged in a decorative box with a CD-ROM and a handwritten note of introduction from the applicant. The CD contained the applicant’s portfolio as a slideshow and audio explaining the projects they had worked on for a Graphic Designer position I had open. It definitely made me take notice and I gave the applicant a call as it was the only one that I had received that way. Here are some other examples, take a page from the 25 Most Creative Designer Resumes You Will See This Year.
• Wristbands – some job seekers are wearing ” I need a job” wristbands. A good conversation starter and a way to let others know you are looking for a new gig. You can find these at http://www.laidoffneedajob.com/ . Again, be creative and create your own.

The Sky is the limit when it comes to creative ideas on how to promote yourself during your job search. The one common element in all these stories was how each job seeker valued the networking they engaged in when employing some of these extreme methods.It turned out to be more about the networking than the actual extreme method.

Looking for a job does not have to be boring, make it fun, show your creative side and get out there. I recently read that 100,000 unemployed Californians had there unemployment benefits run out this week. Did any of them use extreme methods in their job search? I wonder.

I would love to hear your stories about some of the creative ways you have promoted yourself during your job search, email me your stories I would love to share them in a future article.

Here is a video of one job seeker’s story.

Our original Examiner article : Extreme job search methods – can they work for you?

Related posts:

1. 10 Job Search Resolutions For The New Year
2. Ask John: What is the best file format to use when submitting your resume?

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