To Land A Job, Demand Attention

There is no denying it that the job market is tough with millions of former employees nationwide seeking employment. So how do you get noticed? Stand out?

Savvy job seekers find success through attention-getting techniques. Some people have tried these:

+ Sending a small gift basket to the hiring managers?
+ A coffee mug with your business card and some candy?
+ Delivering your resume in pizza box?
+ Or, show up at interviews with a box of donuts and coffee?

Although these have worked for some people, it is not the recommend approach to landing a job. Going the extra mile, if you know the decision maker, shows initiative. If not, then take the professional approach.

A well written resume is the best way to get attention. Anyone actively seeking work needs to have a resume ready for prospective employers, sometimes at a moments notice, or be prepared to send via email as soon as you can, preferably that same day.

People looking for work need to find ways to provide tangible evidence of their skills to stand out from the rest of the crowd. Providing potential employers with a portfolio of your work is a great way to differentiate yourself. Showcasing materials produced, internships, classes, conferences, certifications or volunteer work, are also a great way to illustrate your skills and experience.

When you don't know who is reviewing your resume, you don't have a way of knowing how the person may react. Resumes delivered in a pizza box could get tossed. If a company is making an effort to target people with specific skills an unorthodox approach may be necessary to stand out to get a company's attention.

Some tips:

* If you know the hiring manager, consider a voice mail or e-mail: Your message should entice the hiring manager to take another look at your resume. Your goal, get the hiring manager contact you.
* Get to know the best recruitment agencies in your area: Many of these agencies post jobs on career sites on behalf of their clients. Bypass these sites and go directly to the recruiting agency.
* Apply to jobs that match your skills and experience: Write a targeted cover letter and modify your resume to illustrate how you are the best fit. Convince the hiring manager why you need to be considered and best fit for the job.
* Network: Know someone at the company who can make an introduction? Do you know any of its customers? Suppliers? Former employees? You will not get a referral every time, but it is worth a shot and the extra effort.

When contacting employers, approach them in a way which reflects the reasons why you should get the job. Whatever you do, be polite and respectful, don't do anything to get attention which affects your long-term career opportunities. A tough job market calls for extraordinary methods which means it is increasingly important for job seekers to be much more proactive and thoughtful in their job search.

When deciding to use various tactics to get attention of an employer remember the old standby – professionalism. Create resumes to target a particular job, brushing up on interviewing skills and regularly being part of networking events will increase your chances of landing a job and much more rewarding that acting like a clown.

To Land A Job, Demand Attention

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