The one’s that do work, you will hear about on careerbuilder because articles about crazy job seeking tactics = readership.

The best way to land an interview (besides blind applying) is to network, make contacts and have people refer you to the hiring manager.

On the other end, there are employers now using stunts (video applications required) to show that an applicant has the ability to create such content. The thing that raises ethical (maybe even legal) questions is … they must be public! Now, what does that mean in today’s job market?

On the one had we have people using stunts to try and get a job … on the other, we have firms using stunts and the very job announcement / search process to glom a little marketing/PR out of the mix, too.

I am sure there are companies in certain industries that encourage applicants to do something unusual to get noticed. Creative roles and marketing roles can really benefit from those people who put themselves out there. However, I would be willing to say most companies don’t have the budget dollars to take a chance on an individual who goes so far outside of norms. They simply can’t risk that person getting the job and doing something bizarre in front of a client.

My goal isn’t to sound like a buzz kill here. I really just want to impress upon job seekers that companies are shrinking budgets and shrinking staff. They need to focus their recruitment efforts on people who bring experience and talent to the role…not cake or a bunny suit.

I have blogged a bit on what to do or not to do when looking for work. This may be the catalyst for yet another post! I’ll be sure and link back to your post as inspiration!

Jayna