Résumé Gimmicks: To Do or Not To Do?

Résumé Gimmicks: To Do or Not To Do?

 

Have you ever sent a potential employer your résumé by carrier pigeon? How about in a pizza box? Or perhaps you've created an elaborately decorated document that's a true work of art?

Of course, the next question is: Did it get you the job?

Chances are, you haven't strayed from the conventional cover letter with your résumé and references included. But in the current job market, hundreds of qualified candidates apply to job listings, whether the openings are for office jobs, healthcare vacancies or retail positions. And sometimes it seems impossible to stand out from the crowd.

That's why a growing number of applicants are resorting to résumé gimmicks. The idea is that if you can grab the employer's attention from the get-go, you stand a better chance of being called in for an interview and subsequently landing the job.

But does this approach really work?

Examples of Résumé Gimmicks

One gimmick that gained international attention was U.K.-based Adam Pacitti's last-ditch effort to find a job. After Adam graduated from university with a degree in media production, he first landed a seasonal job in an arcade. But when the season ended, he found himself jobless, and despite sending out approximately 250 applications, he didn't find employment.

So he decided to rent a billboard to tell the world he needed a job.

Though it didn't result directly in a position, he did get a lot of attention. And after following up with an integrated media campaign, he received 60 job offers. Now he works as a viral producer for a digital marketing, communications and design agency.

So the gimmick approach worked for Adam. Why? Because he demonstrated his relevant professional skills on a large scale-and caught the right employer's attention.

Other amusing but ineffective attempts include a résumé attached to a stuffed carrier pigeon, a lavishly embroidered cover letter and a chocolate bar with instead of nutritional information, a list of professional skills. However, the employers who received these applications, though amused at first, didn't hire the applicants.

Avoid Gimmicks

Overall, résumé gimmicks might get a hiring manager's attention, but they can just as easily have an adverse effect. Sometimes, the gimmick just doesn't work, and other times, employers might question how seriously you're taking the opportunity. What follows is a list of gimmicks to avoid.  

  • Sending treats such as cookies or chocolate along with your résumé. Though your application will stand out, sending food along might be interpreted as not respecting professional boundaries.
  • Delivering your application in person. Though you might be convinced your professional demeanor and enthusiastic energy will get you hired on the spot, going to an employer's place of business without an appointment is inconsiderate of other people's time.
  • Creating a video résumé. Unless you're applying for a high profile job and can produce a video that's absolutely perfect, this isn't a good idea. Videos leave lots of room for error, from lack of on-screen presence to bad frame transitions. Moreover, many companies won't view sent-in videos due to online security concerns.
  • Sending a hard copy by overnight mail. Like delivering your application in person, overnighting it communicates you can't follow instructions. And with digital databases, your hard copy résumé might not even make it into the computer system, effectively costing you your chance at an interview.
  • Creating a creative résumé design,multimedia résumé or an infographic résumé. Unless you're a designer, none of these choices have any relevance to your job application and skills. A hiring manager might get the impression you're drawing attention away from the contents of your résumé.

Create an Effective Résumé

It's obvious that using fads and gimmicks when applying for a job are far from a sure-fire way to be noticed in a favorable way. So how can you make your résumé stand out in a good way?

Your best chance at getting noticed is to have a stellar cover letter, great qualifications and glowing recommendations. Remember: Besides experience and qualifications, professionalism, presentation and enthusiasm are your best assets.