Dec 26, 2008 11:30 am US/Eastern
Job Seekers Resorting To Wacky Tactics
BOSTON (CBS) ―
The job losses in the past few months have been staggering, which means there is a lot more competition out there for anyone looking for work, reports CBS station WBZ-TV in Boston.
Experts say some job seekers are doing some pretty crazy things to get hired.
"Candidates are looking for unusual ways to make sure they stand out in the crowd, and I think that's only going to increase as the market gets tighter," explained Rosemary Haefner of careerbuilder.com
A recent survey conducted by Careerbuilder found 12 percent of hiring managers said they've seen an increase in unusual job-hunting tactics in the last year.
"Some of the ones that stand out to me is somebody got a billboard and put up there that they were looking for a job," said Careerbuilder's Michael Erwin. "Another person wore a shirt to an interview that said, 'please hire me.' My favorite was when someone sent breakfast to the office every day until he was hired."
Michelle decided to lead a spontaneous yoga class when she applied as a brand manager at a marketing firm. Since creativity is a must at the firm, she was hired.
The owner of the company said she wouldn't recommend that for just any job-seeker.
"You have to know your audience. If you're going into a job at an accounting firm, you might treat that a little bit differently," she said.
Experts say you should really learn about the company's corporate culture before you apply. Also, keep in mind that being memorable isn't always a good thing.
"Be careful you are not remembered for the wrong reason," said Erwin.
Haefner agreed, "Some of the ideas we've heard, such as following a hiring manager into a restroom to have a private conversation. I wouldn't advise that."
Haefner also warns against doing anything you don't feel comfortable with.
"If you get the job, it's a reputation that's going to follow you for the rest of your career at the firm. So, be mindful of how it represents you. You don't want to be too wacky."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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